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Senate Democrats Pass Hate Crimes Bill

Posted by Stephanie Taylor on September 27, 2007 at 01:51 PM

Senate Democrats passed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act today, an important amendment that expands the definition of a hate crime to include those based on disability, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. This legislation will also provide federal assistance to states, local communities and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes.

The vote was 60 to 39, with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) not voting. The "no" votes included several senators facing re-election next year, including Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), who recently pleaded guilty in a public bathroom sex scandal.

See the roll call here.

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