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It's Official: Hate Crimes Bill Becomes a Law

Started by Julie Marie, October 28, 2009, 03:43:10 PM

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Julie Marie

October 28, 2009, 03:43:10 PM
Historic Day as the First Pro-Transgender Law is Signed

President Obama has just signed into law the very first protections for transgender people in US history:  The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

"This is a powerful day as the United States government, for the first time, stands up and declares that violence against transgender people is wrong and will not be tolerated in our country," stated Mara Keisling, the Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Every day transgender people live with the reality and the threat of personal violence, simply because of who they are. This must end and it must end now. The new law provides for some vital first steps in preventing these terrible crimes as well as addressing them when they occur.  At NCTE, we are dedicating this day to all those who have been victims of hate-motivated violence as well as recommitting ourselves to ending the epidemic of hate that continues to damage our communities and our country."

Full story
When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.
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Alyx.

#1
October 28, 2009, 03:55:42 PM
Yay, Obama did something!
If you do not agree to my demands... TOO LATE
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Sandy

#2
October 28, 2009, 04:14:41 PM
And now the Faux Noose take on the story:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/28/obama-signs-billion-defense-policy/

QuoteBut the bill has come under fire by conservatives because of language they say targets clergy and others who oppose homosexuality on religious grounds and who might express those beliefs publicly.

In a statement released Wednesday, Rep. Mike Pence, R-Indiana, blasted Obama for implementing a "radical" agenda" and putting his "liberal social priorities ahead of an unambiguous affirmation of our men and women in uniform."

"Every day, our Armed Forces stand in defense of freedom and our cherished way of life. It is deeply offensive to their service and to millions of Americans to pile so-called 'hate crimes' legislation onto a bill that authorizes critical resources for our troops. Hate crimes legislation is antithetical to the First Amendment, unnecessary and will have a chilling effect on religious freedom," he said. 

I don't mean to usurp the efforts of our hard working news staff here.  And I normally would send this to them to post, but I felt that this was too interesting to pass up.

Please feel free to repost/delete as appropriate.

-Sandy
Out of the darkness, into the light.
Following my bliss.
I am complete...
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Julie Marie

#3
October 28, 2009, 04:32:42 PM
 :icon_archery: :icon_blahblah: Excuse me while I try to absorb this...  :eusa_wall:

So this bill targets clergy and others who oppose homosexuality (bigots) and who use religion to justify their prejudices?  Does it make any difference why they are bigots?

And how are the Armed forces being offended?  Is Rep. Pence saying the people in the Armed Forces don't agree with this law?  And the chilling effect... does this mean religious people too will be shackled by this law too?

It seems this guy really went out there to come up with this, but all he really did was show he's a bigot too.

Imagine a world where we will no longer be able to discriminate against or beat up LGBT people and get away with it.  Seems preposterous to me!

Julie
When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.
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FairyGirl

#4
October 28, 2009, 04:41:29 PM
Quote from: Julie Marie on October 28, 2009, 04:32:42 PMImagine a world where we will no longer be able to discriminate against or beat up LGBT people and get away with it.  Seems preposterous to me!

I know, right? The nerve of those people not wanting to be murdered. What's this country coming to? ::)

Seriously, this is wonderful news! Anyone who says hate crimes should be protected under First Ammendment rights has got something seriously twisted in their brains.
Girls rule, boys drool.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, then the singing bird will come.
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Janet_Girl

#5
October 28, 2009, 05:44:11 PM
Yes we can!  And have now.  And why would the armed forces hate this bill.  A) Does it not give aid to them.  B) Isn't a matter of protecting all Americans at home?

It would figure.  Watch all the bigots come out of the woodwork now.  Showing thier true colors.


Janet
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Suzy

#6
October 28, 2009, 06:49:13 PM
It will be quite interesting to see how long it takes this bill to be challenged in court.  I bet there are some right wingers just waiting for a test case, licking their chops.

Kristi
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Keroppi

#7
October 28, 2009, 07:16:29 PM
QuoteIt is deeply offensive to their service and to millions of Americans to pile so-called 'hate crimes' legislation onto a bill that authorizes critical resources for our troops.
So he had no problem tacking on completely unrelated "amendment" when it suits him, but it's offensive when it doesn't? ::)
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