Today, the U.S. Senate passed the conference report for the FY 2010 Defense Authorization bill which included the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act by a vote of 68 to 29. The bill is now on the President Obama's desk.
Once Obama signs the bill, the Justice Department will have the ability to investigate and take legal action against violence acts motivated by discrimination against one's actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.President Obama has been vocal about his support for the bill and is expected to sign it before the end of the month.
According to The Examiner, the bill at one time had a provision that would make the death penalty available for hate crimes. The Defense Authorization conference report removed the death penalty portion.
The hate crimes provision was also renamed “The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act" to include James Byrd, an African-American man who was dragged to death in Jasper, Texas.
Today’s marks the 14th time there has been a floor vote on this piece of legislation.
The Examiner makes an important note.
After this bill is signed by Obama there are 3 other important pieces of Federal legislation to pass:
- The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA)
- The repeal of both the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
- Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)
May we understand that this is not just a "gay issue". It is an issue for all of us!
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