President Obama on Wednesday signed a law that makes it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.
The expanded federal hate crimes law was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill that Obama signed at a packed White House ceremony.
The hate crimes measure was named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year.
Shepard’s mother, Judy, was among those at the ceremony that also included Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Attorney General Eric Holder and leading members of Congress and the Pentagon, who were on hand for the appropriations bill signing.
To loud applause, Obama hailed the hate crimes measure in the bill as a step toward change to “help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray.”
He cited the work of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and others “to make this day possible.”
Several religious groups have expressed concern that a hate crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality. However, Holder has said that any federal hate-crimes law would be used only to prosecute violent acts based on bias, not to prosecute speech based on controversial racial or religious beliefs.
Former President George W. Bush had threatened to veto a similar measure, but Obama brought a reversal of that policy to the White House.
When the bill won final congressional approval last week, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese called the hate crimes measure “our nation’s first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.”
Earlier this month, Obama told the Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest gay rights group, that the nation still needs to make significant changes to ensure equal rights for gays and lesbians.
“Despite the progress we’ve made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open,” he said in an address at the group’s annual dinner. “This fight continues now and I’m here with the simple message: I’m here with you in that fight.”
Among other things, Obama has called for the repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military — the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. He also has urged Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and pass the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act.
The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage, for federal purposes, as a legal union between a man and a woman. It allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. The Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act would extend family benefits now available to heterosexual federal employees to gay and lesbian federal workers.
However, some advocates for stronger rights for the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community have complained that Obama’s administration is moving too slowly on his legislative promises.
Opponents of the expanded hate crimes bill challenged the need to specify one particular community in federal legislation. They contended that existing federal hate crimes laws were sufficient to protect the rights of people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
More than 77,000 hate-crime incidents were reported by the FBI between 1998 and 2007, or “nearly one hate crime for every hour of every day over the span of a decade,” Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee in June.
At Wednesday’s signing, Obama also praised what he called a bipartisan effort to start changing the culture of military spending through the annual appropriations bill. He noted that Gates had worked with congressional leaders to end what Obama called wasteful projects like the F-22 fighter bomber and a new presidential helicopter that would have cost “almost as much as Air Force One.”
“I won’t be flying on that,” the president said.
Noting that cost overruns in military projects total tens of billions of dollars, Obama called for further “fundamental” reforms in how the government and Pentagon do business.
“We all know where this kind of waste comes from,” he said, citing “indefensible” no-bid contracts and special interests pushing unneeded weapons systems.
Such actions are “inexcusable”, “unconscionable” and an “affront to the American people” as the nation faces two wars and an economic recession, Obama said.
“Today I’m pleased to say that we have proved that change is possible,” he said.
Isn’t this wonderful?? Now we can all join hands and sing Kumbuya.
Can this Usurper sonofabitch dismantle this nation any faster???? The next step is going to be minister’s being arrested during church service. I guarantee that the fags are going to disburse and sit in on as many services as possible. As to not confusion the fags with the regular folk, the fags will be the ones out front screaming the loudest!!!
[Reply]
Stoney Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I have prayed, and continue to pray that God Almighty would one day SOON send fire down from heaven and devoure all these scumbags in Washington DC.
He know whom each and every one of them are.
Pray with me all you lovers of light and truth and real justice.
[Reply]
Let’s make it legal to have sex with animals next. Then with small children. Hey wait, lets make it legal to rape. After all it is someone’s sexual preference.
I cannot believe, no wait, I can believe this government has gone so far down that it has to pass laws protecting people who are perverts and pedophiles, After all, isn’t many in the congress and senate and the usurper in chief, Barry Soetero a bunch of sexual deviants anyway? Wanna bet that many of the lawmakers in Washington have sex tapes being used to blackmail these people into voting for all this crap. They don’t call the GOP the Gay Old Pedophiles for nothing.
[Reply]
TheTrueLight Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Steve your almost to late, in the Bill just signed by BO “Zoophilia” can be considered to be a “protected category”. “Zoophilia” (I think I am spelling this correctly?) is the same thing as “Bestiality”, which is to have sex with animals! See Leviticus 18:23.
America…Repent or Perish! St. John 8:24.
[Reply]
David from AZ Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Heterosexuals are three times more likely to be victims of hate crimes committed by homosexuals.
Whites are nine times more likely to be victims of hate crimes committed by non-whites.
If I whack a pervert who is attacking my grandson/daughter, shoot a black or hispanic rapist, or defend myself against any of the sickos listed in this bill I now face prison.
When do WE get equal protection?
The “Christians” in this country had better get on their knees and get THEMSELVES right with the Father! They’re the ones who hold the fate of America in their hands!!!!
[Reply]
Reality Check Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
You have to remember , that in the Last day’s the church will become apostate. The Church has willingly sat back and allowed this to happen. Take for instance, LBJ’s 1955 senate bill that took away the Church’s tax-exempt status if the Pulpit endorsed a certain politician.
The Catholics not privatizing their hospital empire. They alone can bring about health care reform, but they do not.
The Church not privatizing public education, but instead allowed the government to rewrite the history books and seduce our brains into absolute ignorance.
GOD HATES ALL QUEERS, AND HAS SAID THEY WILL BURN IN HELL!!
THEY ARE AS LOW AS DOGS!!
[Reply]
tyler durden Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Do Obama supporters get protected under the hate crime bill?
Do Ron Paul supporters get protected under the hate crime bill?
[Reply]
Stoney Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Yes
Definitely NOT
[Reply]
NewZ V. Ewer Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
and…..Goyem? What about Goyem ? I have heard that Goyem are so low, the rest of us appear as Gods, we have the right to “get rid” of them like we would dog shit on our shoes. Have you heard that anywhere? Huh?
WAKE UP TO ZIONIST OCCUPATION
[Reply]
Well when anyone is ready to organize a white man’s army and take back the nation and run out the aliens and fags…please give me a yell. I guess no one wants to die or leave their family. So we will just continually be anally raped by the fags and the jews.
[Reply]
Shall we say I am confused . As the Riddler would say “Riddle me this” When is hate not hate, when is a crime not a crime, When is murder & assault not murder & assault ? I believe I already know the answer & there are laws already in place stating so. So why do we need more time & money wasted on frivious laws. This bill is nothing more than opening up Pandora’s Box. It will continue to dumb down Americans into a lawless & moraless society. Everybody needs to get past color, religion , sex & everyother thing that is used as a dividing tool in our country. If a white man kills a white man then it is murder, if he kills a black man it is murder. No difference , same result ; just plain murder. No class of people should have special laws over their peers. If gays want same sex union , then give it to them but it is not marriage. That right is reserved for a man & woman. Funny it’s called same sex union. I wander why ? Oh I know , because it’s all about sex. They can not produce children. Using their standard of thinking, the human race will disappear after a hundred years or so. So logically thinking that tells me it is not a normal practice or way of life. That is one reason why it is not a marrige. Do I approve of these unions ? No. Can I stop them , No. Will I discriminate against them , No .So if they want to live together , let them. No need to create a special law for their behavior. As expected the only thing we did was call “Bad -Good and Good-Bad” . Welcome to the yes we can change society of the new America. America is without a doubt on her last leg.
[Reply]
Let me try to understand….If someone is murdered, and a suspect is investigated, arrested, tried and convicted of the crime but; is also found guilty of a “hate crime”, he/she will be given 2 life terms? Or Executed twice? Maybe a Death Sentence followed by life in prison?
Whew! It’s too deep for the non-legal layman’s mind….
[Reply]
Curiosity Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I was just wondering the same thing!
[Reply]
Hey!!?? Wait a minute, did someone just say that this law would be made retroactive back to 1972? We’re all going to prison…
[Reply]
So the truth about homos and colored people can no longer be told. How convenient.
[Reply]
Can Citizens put an injunction on these laws? They are unconstitutional so a Court should allow an argument.
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Are you living under a rock ? Since when did the Constitution have anything to do with law ?
[Reply]
revolution Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
they are openly shiting on the constitution , they want us to start a revolt , they want it they wont stop for anything so prepare in every way for all out war
[Reply]
It’s important to test these laws now, so every should rev up the scriptures over what they may see as hate-speech.
Allow the controversy to happen now then years later when he law is accepted by the sheep.
[Reply]
Rick : be careful what you say about dogs.
They dont act that way, You just keep a tight upper lip, They are after you.
[Reply]
I just love how you Christfuckers are fooled and duped.
Gays and Muslims are NOT your enemy. The JEW hides behind these groups of people and makes you hate them while the JEW goes about their way destroying our country.
The ONLY thing that harms our country is the JEW. I could care less about Gays or Muslims. You stupid Christfucking sheep are the dumbest motherfuckers on planet Earth and can be DUPED into hating everyone but the REAL parasitical sickness, JEWS.
[Reply]
Doug Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 5:26 am
You’re an idiot!! A “former” Marine? Not!!! You’ve never been a Marine. Period!!!!!
You ARE the same moron that had all of your posts deleted a few days ago. Your vile language gives you away!!!
[Reply]
Former US Marine Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Again, you are a fool and spout ignorant shit about me. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines 91-95.
Now fuck off little dupe. My foul language gives me away? You are one politically correct dumb motherfucker.
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 6:43 am
A though being a “former marine” (or any other military) gives you any credibility. The US military is the most corrupt division of the Fedgov.
The enemies of USA are jews, colored people, homos and STANDING ARMY ( remember what Jefferson said)
[Reply]
jack brumby Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 8:46 am
dba , Could you please enlighten me as to the truth about gays & colored people as well as why the military is the enemy of the states ? I am a retired vet of 22years & needless to say if it was not for people like me who served to protect your right to have free speech , you would have none. I am not justifying the conflicts our goverment put us in & claimed to be just. The point is you dishonor the integrity , courage , & ultimate sacrifice that so many of our men & woman gave to preserve our way of life. Just to educate your narrow mind , our forces have been comprised of every walk of life that makes up our great nation & for you to single out anyone of them as less worthy is nothing more than racist bigotry. It is not for us to judge & decide. As long as no one group forces their standards or life style upon another citizen , then who are we to demean or judge them. We may not agree or approve of their life style or way of life , which is fine, but then again who made us judge , jury , & executioner. We all have things hidden in our own closet past & present. Let me end on these 2 note’s :
1) For you & that so called former marine. I would love to see either 1 of you two, walk in a room with a couple of the so called lesser people & watch you spill your venom. You or that so called former marine wouldn’t. Neither one of ya’s have the courage to do it. Do it to a WW2 or Korean Vet & you’ll be wetting your pants in 2 seconds. They will beat you down like the wimps that you are , hidding behind the net of free speech. Funny , they defended the right you have to insult them. Only in America.
2) this is a two part comment: He who is without sin cast the first stone, & You will be judged by the same standard that you judged.
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:01 am
to Jack Bumble – anyone who uses such worn torn invectives like “racist” and “bigot” is not capable of being “enlightened”.
Are so so ignorant that you fail to understand the destruction upon our republic by the military industrial complex? Are you such a fool that you cannot comprehend the damage done to our Euro-American heritage and culture by coloreds and other minorities ? Do you not comprehend the threat to our country’s moral fabric by the vehement politics of homosexuals (they’re not ‘gays’) and their perversion – based upon Biblical teaching ? You would do better to frequent other websites where your neo-con attitudes will be greeted by more friendly posters.
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:16 am
and BTW – your stomping around paddy fields in Viet Nam fighting an imaginary boogey man “communism” did nothing at all to protect my right to free speech – that God given right is being thwarted by the Fedgov – the very same entity that controls our military. Do you honestly believe that a bunch of little men with straw hats in Viet Nam were a threat to our free speech? That would be a joke if it were not so serious.
Former US Marine Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Jack, you are a FOOL. The only sickness I despise is the JEW and will say it in front of anyone.
You think an old man like a WWII DUPE or Korean War DUPE could shut me up? You must be senile old man. I still understand the physical “realities” of STRENGTH, while you live in a dream world of your younger days.
NO Military Vet has EVERY protected our Constitution or Freedoms because NO country, except with Britain, has ever been a threat to us. In fact, our Military has BETRAYED this nation by supporting Israel and fighting against Germany in support of British Central Banking Jew and Communist Jews in Russia after they took it over in 1917. America was DUPED into WWII and fought against our German brothers who were fighting against Jew Communism and JEW Central Banks. Your so ignorant you think Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq etc… somehow posed a threat to our Constitution. Intellectually PATHETIC.
WWII vets were the DUPES who enabled JEW Communism and Jew Central Banking to destroy our Constitution and country.
Anytime anyplace and I will tell the truth straight to your face. If you attempt to assault me for my freedom of speech, plan on being unconscious and face down. Just let me know.
waypasthadenough Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Idiot racists.
No one can help how they’re born.
Arrogant elitist WHITE “Liberals” and republicrats are our biggest enemies. They write and pass the laws that destroy us all.
It’s very simple: If they’re not working for human Liberty, real human Liberty, based on our most basic right, the right to self defense, to fight back, to kill those who would enslave us all, then they are liars and manipulators.
It will take many expensive suits hanging along Pennsylvania Ave. to fix this mess if it can be fixed.
Don’t understand? Start here:
http://willowtown.com/promo/quotes.htm
Think globally, fight locally. Aim small, miss small. One shot, one dead “Liberal”(communist/fascist).
[Reply]
Former US Marine Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Communism is JEWISH you fool. Who do you think enslaved Russia? JEW BOLSHEVIKS
Who do you think tried to enslave Germany? Communist JEWS
Who do you think has enslaved Palestinians? Zionist JEWS
Who do you think controls Mass Media and Central Banks here in USA? Marxist Communist JEWS
[Reply]
Former US Marine Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
JEW is a cultural SICKNESS one chooses to defend and support
Funny how you use the term WHITE Liberals, which is a race, yet call others racists for identifying CULTURAL sicknesses.
Must be a JEW spreading his sickness.
[Reply]
Stoney Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Bravo bravo former us marine…you actually got through an entire sentance without talking filth!
Didn’t think you could do it!
Semper Filth mouth
united you stand, divided you fall.
America is divided so you will fall
history shows us this with the Romans and god only knows how many other civilisations fell for going down the same road. Glad I don’t live in America but my country will be forced by America to go down the same path (Australia is doomed).
Funny I just remembered years ago there was a study done on gay and lesbians ortopsies and they found a part of the brain was smaller than hetrosexuals, that study was buried real quick as it proved they have a brain abnormality therefore not normal.
and by the way “Former US Marine” did you know during WW2 Hitler killed the Jews under instruction from the JEWS, a little known fact that can be hunted down and found. If I can find it again (I have it on DVD) I will upload it.
[Reply]
When are we going to man up and do what’s required people?
It’s very simple: If they’re not working for human Liberty, real human Liberty, based on our most basic right, the right to self defense, to fight back, to kill those who would enslave us all, then they are liars and manipulators.
It will take many expensive suits hanging along Pennsylvania Ave. to fix this mess if it can be fixed.
Don’t understand? Start here:
http://willowtown.com/promo/quotes.htm
Think globally, fight locally. Aim small, miss small. One shot, one dead “Liberal”(communist/fascist).
[Reply]
now a white girl was just gang raped by 12 mexicans and 20 people stood and watched at a high school last week , if it was a mexican girl raped by 12 white guys (AS IF) then it would be a fucking outrage and called a hate crime . be ready at a moments notice to kill these pieces of shit . they will keep pushing because they WANT IT they are picking a fight so arm up make fire bombs, what ever , VERY VERY SOON WE TEAR IT DOWN
[Reply]
They should not have hate crimes at all, because no matter what a crime is a crime. Instead of making hate crimes felonies make any crime that has a victim a felony. THe hate crime law is just to keep the average citizen dependent on the Government.
[Reply]
The hate bill is in. Good bye freedom of speech. Soon your prisons will be filling up with white people who say anything negative about the Zionist. This is the soul purpose of the bill. They did it in Canada. The brainwashed believe this is a good thing? How about doing some open minded research and you will find the Former US Marine is on the right track.
[Reply]
former marine & dba,
Re-read what I wrote. I never said the wars we fought were legal & just. For the record all wars after WW2 are pure bullsh-t. Nor do I support the Homosexual movement. So let’s recap ; I am not the one who said Christf-cking Sheep, Homos, Colored People, Jews & Standing Army , Let’s not forget Biblical Teaching. When anyone condemns a complete class of people then it’s racist bigotry. No two ways about it. Now as for my views on our Once Great Nation. The so called leaders we lamely put into office is just that. They are lame , worthless , self-serving degenerates. Probably not all, but enough of them to sell us out. How they keep getting in is beyond my understanding since all they do is bicker & blame each party for the problems we have. Neither side really wants to fix anything. If they did then there would be no need of so many of them. This crap has been going on for years, as each decade goes by it gets worst and worst. The real string pullers behind the scene have been stepping up their efforts at a quicker pace ever since the 60s. That anyone can see, if they open their eyes. Look if you want to destroy a Nation all you have to do is remove the Family Structure, the value & moral standards and dumb them down thru the educational system. Before long you will conquer them & they won’t even know it. My concern is , every culture that makes up our Beloved Nation has given back in one way or another. We are all Americans first & foremost. Not White, Black, red, Brown, Jew, Catholic, Atheist, Redneck, City-slicker, Hillbilly, Country Folk, Gay, Straight, or anyother dividing device people want to use. Get beyond that trivial crap & realize that every sect of Human Life have good & bad individuals. You do not chop a tree down for a few rotten apples. You prune them out. It is our duty to ensure that these deviant & moraless laws & bills that get passed are over turned and to reproach our breathern when we sin or go astray. It is up to God to judge & condemn. When anything is bad/evil or sinful we are to say so & sadly our Nation has bought into the P.C. Lie that there is no absolute truth. When we as a Nation turn back to truth , then and only then will things get better. Just for the record I am 52yrs Young, physically fit, active , with German, Irish and Italian roots. Does that make me Euro-American enough?
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
jack bumble – WWII also, and Korea, WWI, the war between the state – all were tools for more centralized govt and destruction of the Euro-American backbone heritage and culture of this nation. You are a disgrace to your race.
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
hey jack-ass you truly are an idiot. Now you’re trying to say that HOMOSEXUALS (or as you call them – ‘gays’) are a “sect” of Human Life.
I notice that you cannot, or refuse to answer my several points above. You think on a 3rd grade level. No doubt- you attended government schools.
[Reply]
jack brumby Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Obviously you can not think in the broader sense. So I will enlighten you on my 3rd grade level. In the broader sense , the Gay/Lesbian/Bi-Sexual/ Transgender (Homo’s for your understanding) are a lifestyle that makes up a part of our society. Surely you can admit that is true. And no matter how much it is appaulling or unacceptable to us , there is nothing we can do about it. By the way there is only 1 race, it’s called the Human race. As to your other comment I believe I did answer your questions. Reply to my request & please use 3rd level so I can understand. What is the truth about Homo’s & Colored People. Educate me. Oh dba , if you want to base off Biblical Teaching I suggest you learn what the #1 Commandment is so your writings don’t contradict what your implying.
[Reply]
dba Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 9:33 am
perhaps YOU should read the Bible, where they word ‘gay’ is not used, but the homosexual lifestyle is condemned.
The ‘human race” as you call it, is comprised of various races, all of whom are competing against each other politically, socially and culturally. Thats is why they are called ‘races’. And if you insist we are all one race, then I challenge you to go live in the ghettos of say, Detriot, and tell me that same line – LMAO !!!!
The gov’t schools really brainwashed you, my friend.
WWII is the BIGGEST JOKE of them all.
America helped Jew Central Banks and Jew Communism.
We should have JOINED our brothers in Germany fight against the Sickness of Jew Communism in Russia and Jew Central Banking in Britain.
WWII was the Generation that put a DEATH NAIL into America and our Culture.
The Holocaust is 100% Communist Jew BULLSHIT. Zero Gas Chambers, Zero Mass Cremations, Zero Soap, Zero Lampshades etc….
The Holocaust is just like 9/11, a Jew created illusion to hurt THEIR enemies (not our enemies).
[Reply]
yep – WWII was a total fraud and most Americans were against it – even after the Pearl Harbor hoax
[Reply]
I’m with Former US Marine. He always tells it like it is! The Jews screwed Germany. We fought the wrong people in WW2. Hitler stopped the spread of Communism into Eastern Europe or at least he tried to and he transported most of the jews out of Germany before WW2 started. These were part of the 6 million. There were only about 250,000 Jews left in Germany at the beginning of the war. They were the sick and elderly that the Zionists did not want for Israel. There were no gas ovens. There was no holocaust.
[Reply]