Rep. Tsongas weighs in on passage of hate crimes legislation
by Laura Kiritsy
Editor-in-chief
Wednesday Apr 29, 2009
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=blog&sc2=news&sc3&id=90524Congresswoman Niki Tsongas of Lowell released a statement after voting today in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, better known simply as the hate crimes bill. The proposal, which provides legal protections for victims of hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, passed by a vote of 249-175, including the support of the entire 8-member Massachusetts delegation. So why is Tsongas the only one who released a statement lauding the passage of this important legislation, which President Barack Obama has pledged to sign into law should it pass in the Senate? We'll give Congressman Barney Frank a pass, considering his longtime leadership on the issue and his floor speech in favor of the bill. But we haven't received statements from any other members of the Bay State congressional crew, and a perusal of each of their website turned up nothing. Come on guys, show some pride.
