Senate votes big expansion of federal hate crimes (aka Pedophile Protection Act)

Associated Press ^ | July 17, 2009 | Jim Abrams

[DesertRenegade]

The Senate on Thursday approved the most sweeping expansion of federal hate crimes law since Congress responded four decades ago to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The legislation, backed by President Barack Obama, would extend federal protections granted under the 1968 hate crimes law to cover those physically attacked because of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

"This bill simply recognizes that there is a difference between assaulting someone to steal his money, or doing so because he is gay, or disabled, or Latino or Muslim," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said.

Voice vote passage came immediately after supporters cleared a 60-vote procedural hurdle imposed by Republicans trying to block consideration of the legislation. That vote was 63-28.

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.

[Shady]

All a ruse to imprison those who dare to oppose the Cabal.

[sergeantdave]

States need to pass laws protecting their citizens against attacks by federal goons against their rights. Punishments should range from expulsion from state borders up to death by hanging.

[massgopguy]

The MA “Bath Room” excludes orientation when the object is a Minor child. I predicted that that would be removed after it passes. They’ll use the Fed law to do that.

[NTHockey]

Let me be the first to openly disobey this act. Mohammedism is a cult of hate. Our government is polluted with criminals, deviants, liars, perverts and downright scum. I hate Jane Fonda. And John F’n “I’m a Vietnam hero” Kerry.

Is that good enough?

[liberalism is suicide]

Of course not! To hear the libs yammer,you’d think that racism is hard-wired into Caucasian DNA,therefore disqualifying whites!

[HokieMom]

BTTT

[WarEagle]

Republicans not voting or voting yes on cloture and no on Brownback Amendment ('To clarify that the amendment shall not be construed or applied to infringe on First Amendment rights.')

Not voting

Alexander (R-TN) Bond (R-MO) Bunning (R-KY) Corker (R-TN) Graham (R-SC) Gregg (R-NH) Martinez (R-FL)

Voting Yea

Collins (R-ME) Lugar (R-IN) Snowe (R-ME)

Tennessee FReepers, what's up with your Senators? What are you going to do to get them in line? Kentucky FReepers, what's up with Bunning?

Without the not votings this thing would have gone down in flames. Cloture would have been denied, and Leaky Leahy would have had to find another way to put one over on us.

Once again, we are being sold out by the very people we support.

[LinnKeyes2000]

I note that my fair and honorable </s> Sen Harkin voted to obfuscate that the hate crimes bill would trump 1st amendment.

[LinnKeyes2000]

“Voice vote passage came immediately “
Note that no Sen called for “division” requiring a tallied vote so we could see who the tyrants were that voted for it.