US HOUSE PASSES HATE CRIME BILL
NEW HAMPSHIRE TO TURN PINK :-)
The US House of Representatives approved today an expansion of federal "hate crime" laws ( previously opposed by former President George W. Bush) a bill also known as the Matthew Shepard Act.
The House passed and sent to the Senate a bill to broaden such laws by classifying as "hate crimes" those attacks based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity or mental or physical disability. The current law, enacted four decades ago, limits federal jurisdiction over hate crimes to assaults based on race, color, religion or national origin.
President Barack Obama strongly supported the measure, which he dubbed an "important civil rights issue" in a statement yesterday urging Congress to approve the bill. Assailants found guilty of a hate crime face additional penalties beyond those usually imposed for their attack.
This bill also could put Christians and many other religious who teach that homosexuality is contrary to God's design may find that they as well are targeted by this law.
The Matthew Shepard Act is officially known as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Matthew Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998) was a student at the University of Wyoming who was tortured and murdered.
New Hampshire's Senate also passed a bill today that would legalize same-sex marriage. The bill needs to be signed by Governor John Lynch to make New Hampshire the fifth U.S. state where gay marriage is legal.
