Senate Approves Broadened Hate-Crime Measure

By DAVID STOUT
October 22, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted on Thursday to extend new federal protections to people who are victimized because of their gender or sexual orientation, bringing the legislation close to reality after years of fierce debate.

The 68 -29 vote sends the measure to President Obama, who has said he supports it.

The measure, attached to an essential military-spending bill, broadens the definition of federal hate crimes to include those committed because of a victim’s gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. It gives them the same federal safeguards already afforded to people who are victims of violent crimes because of their race, color, religion or national origin. the rest