Hate Crimes Redefined

The definition of a hate crime was expanded to include those committed because of a victim's sexual orientation, which would give gay, lesbian and transgender people protection under it.

Under current federal law, hate crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction are defined as those motivated by the victim’s race, color, religion or national origin.

The new measure would broaden the definition to include those committed because of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It was approved by the House right before a weekend when gay rights will be a focus in Washington, with a march to the Capitol and a speech by President Obama to the Human Rights Campaign.

The altering of this definition was met by opposition from the republican side. John Boehner, the house republican leader said, "The idea that we’re going to pass a law that’s going to add further charges to someone based on what they may have been thinking, I think is wrong". Republicans are also unhappy that the measure included a $681 billion military policy bill. It is important that the definition of a hate crime is expanded to protect gays and lesbians, but is it fair to ensure that it passes by attaching a military policy bill to it.