Senate OKs homosexuals in hate crimes bill

WASHINGTON (BP)--The Senate voted Sept. 27 to add homosexuals and transgendered individuals to the classes protected under hate crimes laws.

Supporters of the controversial measure gained its passage as an amendment to the Department of Defense authorization bill, purportedly to make it difficult for President Bush to veto. The White House, however, has promised a veto by the president, even if it is part of the Defense bill.

"I hope and pray that if this bill makes its way to the president's desk that he will fulfill his promise to veto it," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC).

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