Hate Crimes Bill Passes Committee

Despite attempts by Republican legislators to add unborn children, pregnant women, and members of the military to the protected classes, today the House Judiciary Committee narrowly approved the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act* by a vote of 15-12. GOP reps also attempted but failed to strip gender identity protections from the act. The bill will go the full house for a vote as soon as next week.

*Formerly known as the Matthew Shepard Act.