WASHINGTON, October 28, 2009
Obama Hails Expanded Hate Crimes Law
President Says Law Covering Sexual Orientation and Gender Will Allow People to Live How They See Fit
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The hate crimes bill is named for Matthew Shepard, pictured here in an undated photo. Shepard was a gay University of Wyoming college student who was beaten and left for dead in a Wyoming pasture near Laramie, Wyo., on Oct. 7, 1998. (AP Photo)
The law extends federal hate crimes to include those perpetrated against people because of sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It also removes restrictions on when the federal government can intervene in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.
Obama signed the bill into law earlier in the day. He held a separate White House ceremony to celebrate it with joyous supporters.
Advocates hail the law as major step toward more freedom and against bigotry.
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