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October 23, 2009

Senate Votes to Expand Definition of Hate Crimes
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The Senate, meanwhile, has followed the House in voting to expand the
definition of hate crimes to cover those targeted because of their
sexual orientation. The measure would grant new protections to lesbian,
gay and transgender people under federal law. It’s named after Matthew
Shepard, the gay Wyoming university student who was brutally beaten,
tied to a fence, and left to die in 1998. The measure has been sent for
President Obama’s signature.



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