Carper Votes to End Filibuste Against Hate Crime Bill, Bill Increases Penalties for Crimes Motivated by Bias

WASHINGTON, DC – In a move to punish those committing crimes because of bias, Senator Carper voted today to end the filibuster against the federal Hate Crimes bill. The effort to bring the bill to a vote fell 6 votes short of the 60 necessary to end debate. “This legislation sends the message that there is no room in our nation for bigotry. There should be no place in our law for prejudice,” Carper said. “I am disappointed that the Senate chose to delay a vote on this issue.” The bill expands the 1968 hate crime law to include attacks motivated by a person’s disability, gender or sexual orientation. The original law created additional penalties for crimes motivated by race, religion or country of origin.