President Obama Signs Legislation Strengthening Hate Crimes Prevention Laws

Press Release

Legislation Was Co-Sponsored by Sen. Lautenberg

U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, today applauded President Obama for signing into law the FY 2010 Defense Department Authorization Act, which includes a provision that will broaden the definition of a hate crime to include acts of violence motivated by gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. The new law will expand the circumstances in which the federal government can prosecute these hate crimes.

"The full weight of the law and our justice system must be brought down upon those who prey on victims based on hate and bigotry," stated Sen. Lautenberg. "The President's signature of this measure affirms that Americans will not tolerate hate-based violence in any form. This historic law will strengthen America's justice system and take a long-overdue stand for the civil rights of those who have been victimized by acts of hatred."

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