WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, today voted to approve the final version of the FY 2010 Defense Department Authorization Act, which includes a provision that will broaden the definition of a hate crime to include acts of violence motivated by gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.  The legislation, which also expands the circumstances in which the federal government can prosecute these hate crimes, is expected to be signed by the President.

    “The full weight of the law and our justice system must be brought down upon those who prey on victims based on hate and bigotry,” stated Sen. Lautenberg. “Passage of this measure affirms that American will not tolerate hate-based violence in any form.  This historic legislation will strengthen America’s justice system and take a long-overdue stand for the civil rights of those who have been victimized by acts of hatred.”

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