Sinema attends signing of hate crimes bill

by KTAR.com (October 28th, 2009 @ 6:47am)

Policy >>

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Arizona State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema was to attend the signing ceremony for a hate crimes bill at the White House Wednesday afternoon.

Sinema, a Phoenix Democrat, has sponsored legislation in Arizona to expand hate crimes to include misdemeanor crimes motivated by hate or bias. She was invited to the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes bill, which expands hate crimes to include crimes against people based on gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.

"After 14 votes in Congress over the course of 10 years, Congress finally has passed landmark legislation to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from violent hate crimes," Sinema said. "I am proud to see our country's hope for progress and change become a reality. This historic victory offers protection for all Americans, including right here in Arizona."

Following the signing, Sinema will participate in a reception hosted jointly by the White House and the David Bohnett Foundation.

Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay college student, was brutally beaten and tied to a frozen fence to die in 1998 in Wyoming, and James Byrd, Jr., an African-American man, was dragged to his death in Texas in the same year.

The Act allows the Justice Department, to take the lead, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, in investigations and prosecutions of violent crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. The legislation also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, to train law enforcement officers or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes.

"President Obama and members of Congress have taken a first important step toward ensuring security and equality for all people in this country," Sinema said. "I look forward to continued work with Congress and the White House to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act."

She added, "Americans realize that these outdated policies hurt our national and domestic security, while doing nothing to protect families in our country. By repealing these misguided laws, President Obama and Congress will show again their continuing commitment to the security and equality of all American families."

Last 2 Comments

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  We love you, Kyrsten!

  No more war

  ...Keep up the great job! Don't be intimidated by these annoying Republicans!

  47493
• 0 Reply Abuse Vote

  Sinema is so proud

  curby13

  of this. I wouldn't be the democrats had to cneak it into a defense budget to force republicans to sign it. If they would have voted the bill down the dems would love to point out that the republicans voted against funding troops. This is just going to get worse. The dems are sticking numerous provisions into bills which aren't related.

  47058
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