Obama Signs Bill Making Gay Attack A Hate Crime

Washington, D.C. (AHN) – Violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people is now among the list of hate crimes under a bill President Barack Obama signed into law Wednesday at the White House.

As an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, Obama said the change would protect people regardless of who they love.

Regarding the bill Obama said, “You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits — not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights — both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.”

Gay rights advocacy groups hailed the new law. Equality Forum founder Malcolm Lazin said it was timely because of rising incidents of violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Americans. The group cited 29 killings and more than 16,000 cases of hate crimes against gays last year.

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