Obama is set to sign the bill into law tomorrowUS president Barack Obama will reportedly sign a bill giving gays new protections from hate crime.
The bill is nicknamed the Matthew Shepard Bill, after the gay Wyoming teenager who was murdered in 1998. It was passed by the Senate 68 votes to 29 last week.
It will expand federal hate crime laws to include crimes where the victims were targeted on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, and disability.
The bill is attached to the Department of Defence reauthorisation bill, a bill to provide new F-22 fighter jets.
According to ABC News, Obama will sign the bill into law tomorrow.
It is thought that members of Shepard’s family will attend the signing at the White House and a reception with gay rights campaigners will follow.
Related articles
23 October 2009US Senate passes Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill 9-
9 October 2009US House approves Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill 8
1 October 2009Cleve Jones, Dan Choi and Judy Shepard among speakers for Equality March 1
11 June 2008US brewer backs Matthew Shepard Foundation's campaign to erase hate 0
