53 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 34 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
General News    H3'ed 10/25/09

Hate Crimes Bill Passes

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   2 comments
Message Richmond Shreve
Become a Fan
  (17 fans)
On Thursday Congress finally passed the Mathew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. hate crimes act. "This is a tremendous achievement for civil and human rights," said Jill Moss Greenberg, long time activist and supporter of the ligislation that makes violent hate crimes a criminal federal offense.

The act was named for two victims who died horrible deaths in violence motivated by the sort of hate the legislation outlaws. The new law will enable Federal prosecutors to go after those who commit violence based on sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or gender identity by extending the current hate crimes statute to specifically cover such crimes.

Senators Specter, Levin and Leahy spoke to the press and advocates for the legislation. Levin made it clear that religious leaders can continue to express their beliefs [concerning the morality of behavior protected by the law] as they see fit. The bill only applies to bias-motivated crimes of violence, and includes strong protections of speech and association. President Obama is expected to sign the bill soon.

Source: Jill Greenberg, former Executive Director, National Association for Multicultural Education.
Must Read 1   News 1   Valuable 1  
Rate It | View Ratings

Richmond Shreve Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Richmond Shreve is a retired business executive whose careers began in electronics (USN) and broadcasting in the 1960s. Over the years he has maintained a hobby interest in amateur radio, and the audio-visual arts while working in sales and (more...)
 

Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

The US is Broke -- Not!

Barstool Economics - A Viral Conservative Fable

Infiltrating the Truth Movement

What is Coffee Party USA?

O'Reilly -- On Obama and the Race Problem

How I Became a "Bestselling" Author

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend