Federal hate crime expanded to include violence against gays and lesbians

by: Jay Stevens

Fri Oct 23, 2009 at 06:28:45 AM MST

A bill to make violence against gays and lesbians a federal hate crime cleared the Senate on Thursday and headed to the White House.

The 68-29 vote was a victory for civil rights groups that have long sought to expand the federal statute beyond attacks motivated by religion, race, color or national origin.

The bill, which President Obama is expected to sign, includes penalties for assaults based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender, disability or gender identity.

Both Baucus and Tester voted for the bill.

It's a nice start. Again, while many of the gay civil rigts' issues are legislative matters and out of the president's hands - overturning DOMA, say, or the protection of gays from housing or employment discrimination - President Obama can do something about Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell.

Again, Dan Savage:

As commander-in-chief {Obama} has the authority to halt enforcement of DADT. Seventy-six members of Congress asked him to do back in June.

Putting an end to DADT once and for all does require a legislative act. True. But suspending its enforcement would put pressure on Congress to do get off its butt and pass that legislation.

Ending DADT would save taxpayer money. It would make the military better. It's the right thing to do. And it's popular among Americans...