Hate Crimes Bill Reaches Senate Floor
Feature Story by Teresa Kraly - 6/7/2002
Debate began in the Senate June 7th on the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (S 625) with a vote likely by Tuesday, June 11.The civil rights community has long advocated passage of this bill which would allow federal prosecution of crimes that target victims based on gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Current hate-crimes law (PL 90-284), enacted in 1968, allows federal prosecution of crimes based on race, color, religion or national origin. But the law can be used only under six specified situations of federal involvement, including crimes committed against victims while they voted or were on federal property.
"Hate crimes send a poisonous message that some Americans are second-class citizens who deserve to be victimized solely because of their race, their ethnic background, their religion, their sexual orientation, their gender or their disability," said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the bill's sponsor.
In an attempt to block the bill's passage, opponents are attempting to add "poison pill" amendments designed to delay or kill the bill, but as Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) brought up the bill, he filed only one amendment, then offered a cloture petition. The petition will mature over the weekend, and will need 60 votes to pass. If the cloture petition passes, then only germane (having to do with the underlying subject of the bill being considered) amendments will be in order. This will avoid delay due to additional, irrelevant amendments.
Republicans have complained that the debate on the bill will divert attention from national security issues. The supporters argue the debate occurred two years ago and all that is needed now is a vote.
