Hate crimes amendments pass easily

[Shana A]

Hate crimes amendments pass easily
By J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 07/20/09 04:57 PM [ET]

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hate-crimes-amendments-pass-easily-2009-07-20.html

The Senate on Monday passed four amendments to the Defense Department authorization bill that limit the extension of federal hate crimes laws.

One amendment requires that hate crimes be identified and prosecuted based on "neutral and objective criteria."

Another boosts penalties for attacks on U.S. military service members and their families, while a third authorizes the death penalty for certain crimes that result in death.

All three amendments were backed by Republicans, most of whom voted against the extension of hate crime protections last week.