OpenCongress Summary

This legislation seeks to expand upon 1969 U.S. federal hate-crime law by extending its scope towards bodily crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, in addition to the current provisions of bodily crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, and national origin. It would also codify and expand the funding and investigative capabilities of federal officials for aiding their local counterparts.

Senator Kennedy [D, MA] also introduced this legislation in the 110th Congress as a bill, which died in committee, and then as an amendment to the Senate Defense Reauthorization bill (H.R.1585), which was approved by a voice vote. However, this amendment was ultimately dropped due to opposition from antiwar Democrats, conservative groups, and former President George W. Bush. Contrastingly, President Obama has indicated that he aims to see this version of the bill passed. The companion legislation, H.R.1913, passed the House vote in April.