Obama Signs Hate Crimes Bill: "Another Step Forward In Creating A More Perfect Union" (Video)

Hate crimes? Isn't murder already, by definition, a "hate crime"?

GOP Rep. Grills Eric Holder: "Hate Crime For Preachers Who Preach Against Gays?" (Video)

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) discusses Hate Crime laws with Attorney General Eric Holder.



The law in question is 18 U.S.C. 2 which states:

(a) Whoever commits an offense against the United States or aids,
abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is
punishable as a principal.

(b) Whoever willfully causes an act to be done which if directly
performed by him or another would be an offense against the United
States, is punishable as a principal.

The key legal phrase Gohmert argues is "induces". A preacher's sermon could be considered as an "inducement" of a crime.

Matthew Shepard's Mother, Judy, Outraged By Rep. Virgina Foxx "Hoax" Comments (Video)

Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation responds to recent statements regarding her sons death by Rep. Virginia Foxx and shares her perspective on the new hate crimes bill in Congress.

The measure passed 249-175 over the objections of conservatives, the Associated Press reports.

The bill -- named for Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was beaten to death in Wyoming in 1998 -- is a stronger version of a bill that died two years ago under a veto threat from President Bush.



Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten, tortured and murdered in Wyoming. His story is portrayed in the play and film "The Laramie Project".

Personally, I disagree with "hate crime" legislation because all crime can be considered "hateful". Does it really matter why someone is murdered? Murder is by definition a "hate crime". Is there really any need to complicate the laws?

That said, Rep. Foxx's comments are truly "despicable", insensitive and shameful.

Olbermann Slams Rep. Virginia Foxx Over Her Insensitive Matthew Shepard Comments (Video)

For once, I actually agree with Olbermann. Rep. Foxx should indeed apologize.

Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten, tortured and murdered in Wyoming. His story is portrayed in the play and film "The Laramie Project".

Personally, I disagree with "hate crime" legislation because all crime can be considered "hateful". Does it really matter why someone is murdered? Murder is by definition a "hate crime". Is there really any need to complicate the laws?

That said, Rep. Foxx's comments are truly "despicable", insensitive and shameful.