Earlier this evening, the Matthew Shepard Act passed in the Senate on a voice vote after clearing a 60-vote roadblocking attempt by the Republicans. The vote on the procedural hurdle was 63-28.
The bill is attached as an amendment to a must-pass defense appropriations bill. Members of Congress will have to decide whether to vote for the entire bill, including the Matthew Shepard Act, or vote against shiny new fighter planes and equipment for the troops. One wonders what the chickenhawks will deem more important.
From the AP article:
The hate crimes bill was offered as an amendment to a must-pass defense spending bill that the Senate is expected to finish some time next week. Several Republican amendments to the hate crimes legislation still could be considered on Monday, but Thursday's vote determined that it will be part of the defense bill when it passes.
The 1968 hate crimes act covers violence related to a person's race, color, religion or national origin. Federal involvement is confined to a narrow range of circumstances, such as when the victim is using a public facility or attending a public school, serving on a jury or participating in a government program.
The proposed legislation, in addition to expanding the categories covered, ends the "federally protected activities" requirement.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., now being treated for cancer and unable to be on hand for the debate, first proposed the bill in 1997. While coming close on several occasions, he has never been able to overcome opposition from those who contend it infringes on states' rights and First Amendment rights to free speech. Former President George W. Bush said he would veto the bill if it reached his desk.
The fact that it finally passed the Senate is critical. It has passed the House a few times before, but could never overcome Republican maneuvering in the Senate. Because of the ways the two houses of Congress work, and because it is attached to a must-pass defense bill, it will be signed into law shortly.