On Wednesday, April 22, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on so-called “hate crimes” legislation, which would give “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” the same federal protection as race.  If enacted, it would provide federal assistance to state and local law enforcement to prosecute hate crimes. It would also authorize the federal government to investigate crimes where the victim was targeted because he or she belongs to one of the protected groups.

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) have reintroduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913). The earlier plan died when President George W. Bush threatened a veto, describing the idea as unneeded and probably unconstitutional.  However, Barack Obama’s White House website affirms his dedication to strengthening “federal hate crimes legislation” and expanding “hate crimes protection.” READ THE FULL ARTICLE…