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House Votes To Expand Hate-Crimes Law
Last Thursday the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would protect extend federal hate-crime protection to people victimized because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The President has already said he may veto the bill.
Companion Reading
:: Hate Crime Bill Veto Is Vowed
:: House Passes Historic Hate Crimes Bill
:: ADL Condemns Alleged Pueblo Hate Crime
:: Every Victim Counts: Reform Hate Crime Reporting
Discussion Questions
- According to the FBI, how many people are victims of a hate crime each day?
- Who is protected under the current hate crime law? Who is not?
- Do you believe that the bill creates a “two-tiered justice system”?
- Why do some people oppose the bill? Do you agree with their arguments? Why?
- Who is Judy Shepherd? Why did she lobby for the bill? How could the bill have helped her son?
- Why is President Bush prepared to veto the bill?
- If the bill is passed into law, how much money will the U.S. government give to local authorities to help them prosecute hate crimes? How should the money be used?
- What other bill is expected to come up for a vote in the House of Representatives in the next few weeks?
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