Friday, October 9, 2009

Hill Report: US House Passes Hate Crimes Bill That Provides for Disability

The US House of Representatives voted yesterday to extend the protections of the four decades old hate crimes law to people with disabilities.

Reuters is reporting that the vote in the House was 249 in favor to 175 opposed. The bill will broaden the law by extending "hate crimes" to mean "those attacks based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity or mental or physical disability".

The legislation will now move to the Senate where it is expected to see little opposition.

This is a long time coming and it has not been easy. Previous attempts were blocked by President George W. Bush. 

Read More: Reuters , US House, and Disability Scoop.


No comments: