Comments on: Senate Passes Hate Crimes Act; Next Stop: Obama’s Desk

By: Timothy Kincaid

Timothy Kincaid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:35:31 +0000

An interesting irony:

Sen. John McCain was among the quarter of Republicans to vote for the measure. Which means that when it comes to actual action (as opposed to speeches given to a targeted audience), McCain beat Obama to the punch.

There was quite a bit of concern that a President McCain would veto pro-gay legislation that reached his desk. And we will still have to monitor McCain’s votes on upcoming issues. But it may be the case that such fears were a bit undue.

By: Chris McCoy

Chris McCoy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:45:54 +0000

John said:

Well, the least important of his commitments to the gay and lesbian Americans who supported his campaign is moving forward.

Why is this the least important of Obama’s Campaign commitments?

For me, I ranked this one as the most important.

By: JJQR

JJQR — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:52:56 +0000

That’s an interesting point, TampaZeke. Hadn’t thought of that possibility.

By: TampaZeke

TampaZeke — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:35:54 +0000

I don’t understand why the bill was named the Matthew Shepard/James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act when race has been a protected class since the original hate crimes act from the 1960′s.

What happened to James Byrd was disgusting, shameful and inexcusable but I don’t understand the connection to this piece of legislation, unless it was to increase support among Senators that just wouldn’t vote for a hate crimes act that protects, and was named after, gay people alone.

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:30:01 +0000

Well, the least important of his commitments to the gay and lesbian Americans who supported his campaign is moving forward. At least, it is a start.

Now about Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, ENDA and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act…

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:15:35 +0000

Anti-gay Christians should pay particular attention to this part:

“Nothing in this division shall be construed to prohibit any constitutionally protected speech…including the exercise of religion…”

Assuming they will actually take the time to read the bill, of course.

By: Lindoro Almaviva

Lindoro Almaviva — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:38:27 +0000

Well, now obama can actually say he accomplished something in his agenda for LGBT. Congrats to him, to Mrs. Shepherd and all those who fought for 11 years to make this happen.

And in some cave, a member of the christian taliban is foaming at the mouth.

By: Trovore

Trovore — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:59:18 +0000

Pffuffah well, we need more time to study the broader ramifications of extending hate-crimes legislation. I really didn’t expect this to pass in my first term…err…we need to make sure its comprehensive and perfect before I’ll sign it. Veto.