Gay rights bills remain stalled in Congress
Hate crimes, ENDA strategies debated; Frank says UAFA won't pass this year
May 29, 2009 | By: Chris Johnson
http://www.washblade.com/2009/5-29/news/national/14609.cfm?page=1U.S. House and Senate lawmakers apparently hold conflicting views on the best way to pass hate crimes legislation.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the longest-serving openly gay member of Congress, said in an interview May 22 with the Blade that supporters of hate crimes legislation in the Senate are considering attaching the measure as an amendment to the 2010 defense authorization bill, but House lawmakers are trying to convince the Senate to pass the legislation as a standalone measure.
The bill passed the House on April 29, 249-175, as a standalone measure. The legislation would allow the U.S. Justice Department to assist in the prosecution of hate crimes committed against LGBT people that result in death or serious injury.
