Bush Threatens To Veto Expansion Of Hate-Crime Law

Legal News Feed

[##_1L|1154057407.gif|width="135" height="114" alt=""|_##]In what would be his second veto in as many days, President George W. Bush threatened to veto legislation that would expand the federal hate-crime law to include violent acts motivated by a victim's sexual orientation, gender or disability. Passed by a 237-180 vote in the House of Representatives, the so-called Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, also called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, would also allow the Department of Justice to aid in the investigation and prosecution of cases in which violence occurs against people based on their sexual orientation, race, religion, etc.

In issuing a veto threat, the White House said it opposed a bill that treats crime victims differently from others, saying, "The administration believes that all violent crimes are unacceptable, regardless of the victims, and should be punished firmly." The White House, which called the legislation unnecessary, said the bill also raised constitutional concerns.

While the bill has broad bi-partisan support, it still may not have enough votes to override a veto from the executive branch. However, the legislation has earned the endorsement of a variety of groups, including most LGBT civil rights groups, and more than 210 law enforcement, civil rights, civic and religious organizations, such as the National Sheriffs' Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Related listings

  • Goldman hires US Assistant Secretary of State

    Goldman hires US Assistant Secretary of State

    Legal News Feed 05/03/2007

    Dina Habib Powell, a senior aide to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, resigned Wednesday to join a Wall Street investment bank, State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said. Powell, 33, was assistant secretary of state for educational and...

  • New York governor unveils gay marriage bill

    New York governor unveils gay marriage bill

    Legal News Feed 04/28/2007

    [##_1L|1089090544.jpg|width="140" height="112" alt=""|_##]New York Governor Eliot Spitzer (D) introduced a bill Friday to legalize gay marriage in New York. In a press release, Spitzer said: Under current law, partners unable to enter into a civil ma...

  • Bush Vows To Veto Troop Withdrawal Plan

    Bush Vows To Veto Troop Withdrawal Plan

    Legal News Feed 04/27/2007

    [##_1L|1139731698.gif|width="135" height="114" alt=""|_##]President Bush warned Congress Friday that he will continue vetoing war spending bills as long as they contain a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. Speaking a day after...

New Rochelle, New York Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Kommer, Bave & Ollman, LLP, in New Rochelle, New York, immediately. We can answer all your questions and work with you to determine if you have the grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys at our firm are determined to resolve even the most difficult of cases. We will work closely with you to determine the best course of action to get your claim or case resolved in the most efficient way possible. We will fight for your right to compensation! No one should have to suffer a financial burden from the result of another person’s carelessness. The attorneys at Kommer, Bave & Ollman, LLP will aggressively fight to ensure that justice is served on your behalf.

Business News

New York & New Jersey Family Law Matters We represent our clients in all types of proceedings that include termination of parental rights. >> read