House Passes Hate Crimes Legislation

Yesterday, hate crimes legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to The New York Times, "The vote was 249 to 175, with most Democrats voting in favor and most Republicans against. The bill defines hate crimes as those motivated by prejudice and based on a victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The measure would provide grants for state and local authorities to investigate and prosecute hate crimes , and it would empower the federal government to prosecute cases if states asked for Washington’s help or were reluctant to exercise their own authority."

Also yesterday, a hate crimes bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate. If it passes in the Senate then it goes to the President's desk for his signature. President Obama supports the bill.