Hate Crimes bill passes U.S. House of Representatives

Last Update: 5:09 pm

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top%20stories/story/Hate-Crimes-bill-passes-U-S-House-of/G-5vHDNUAUOI8z3HDO0XCA.cspx

WASHINGTON, DC (ABC 4 News) - A new hate crimes bill got a big boost today as it was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill would provide funding to state and local authorities to prosecute hate crimes. The federal government could also step in and prosecute if states requested it or decided not to prosecute themselves.

A weaker version of the bill was defeated two years ago after President Bush threatened a veto. President Obama has urged support of the bill.