CQ dot com
Source: CQ Today Midday Update 

Proponents of the legislation (HR 1592), which passed 237-180, say current law does not readily allow federal law enforcement officials to work with state and local officials who prosecute hate crimes committed against victims because of their sexual orientation or gender, or bring such cases themselves.




House passes expanded hate crimes bill
Houston Chronicle
By JIM ABRAMS Associated Press Writer

"It does not impinge on public speech or writing in any way," countered Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., pointing out that the bill explicitly reaffirms First Amendment and free speech rights.

Spouse and I listened and watched some of the debate on CSpan this evening.  It provoked a good conversation.  I was pleased to be able to explain to her why it made a difference to commit a crime against someone because they were or might be gay/tg/Christian/black etc. versus commiting a crime against an individual for the sake of greed or revenge or anger.

Her questions struck me as how skilled the politicians on the opposing side were in framing their opposition in reasonable and even desirable terms.  Spouse is not unintelligent and she got sucked in.  It behooves us to educate as much as we can, one on one or to the masses, whenever we can.

Three cheers for the fair minded men and women that voted for this bill.  Let's hope the momentum ontinues and the Senate passes their version with a veto proof majority.

helen

That's a two thirds vote in favor right?  So we need about 16 or so Republican votes in the senate for this to bypass a veto.  They are not as single minded as they were a couple years ago. It might just happen.  But I doubt it. We instill great fear in simple minds simply because we exist.

Cindi

The mainstream media is now predicting that this hate crimes bill will be vetoed and not be over rided by the Congress.  They need a two thirds vote to over ride Bush's veto.  The Bush Administration thinks there are enough hate crime laws already in place, but that there not being properly enforced.  At least thats their explaination like it or not.  If this law passes, the religious right wing is afraid it would infringe on their religious freedoms such as picketing homosexuals at gay rallys, etc.  All we can hope for is that this bill's veto gets over rided by the Congress.  I do hope its true that our Congressmen and Congresswomen are more open minded now than they were a couple years ago.  Guess we will learn the fate of this bill very soon. 

Shannon