CBS NEWS (10/28/09):
President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed and celebrated hate crime legislation that extends protection to people based on sexual orientation, sealing a long-fought victory to gay advocates. The new law expands federal hate crimes to include those committed against people because of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It also loosens limits on when federal law enforcement can intervene and prosecute crimes, amounting to the biggest expansion of the civil-rights era law in decades.
Obama said in East Room reception, surrounded by joyous supporters, "No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are, or because they live with a disability."
38 comments:
I am elated to hear about the signing and celebration President Barack Obama partook in on October 28, 2009 when the hate crime legislation was embraced. This is not only a victory for gay advocates and individuals with disabilities alone but it is a victory for all citizens and society as a whole, in my opinion. This law has been much anticipated (by many) because all individuals deserve respect regardless of lifestyle choices. Many of us have heard of the “golden rule” “do unto others as you would like to be done unto yourself.” Imagine the impact not only in this country but worldwide if this principal was put into practice. No matter what differences emerge in every individual and what beliefs and practices separate us we all belong to the human race and were created uniquely. Therefore respect for the individual is necessary but we live in a flawed society composed of flawed individuals (including myself) and that’s why perfect harmony is not possible but this legislation is a step in the right direction as strides towards improving our societal relationship continue. Gloria P.
As promised in his campaign CHANGE… and change we have been viewing since he took over office within our country by our president. On October 28 he did some more revolutionize, President Obama signed the hate crime legislation. This benefited the gay community and people with a disability, but when in reality this benefits everyone. Everyone deserves respect no matter who you are what color of skin you have, how you look, what disability you may have, or how you live your life. No one says it better like our president, “"No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are, or because they live with a disability." Bravo! I hope to see more changes within our country but more to help and benefit people with disability.
Erika P..
Ok wow! I had previously posted that I wasn't very sure about this being passed, but its good to read the president was admament in seeing change for fellow Americans who have suffered enough when suffering in this sense should not even be an issue. I hope this opens up the minds of many ignorant people who have committed such crimes to so many innocent people and shows them that this will not be tolerated and actions will be taken and they will no longer be getting away with their inhumane actions.
Gabby s.
Before I begin I must comment that you really hit this issue on the nail Gloria P. I REALLY enjoyed your input on this issue. I agree with you totally on the "golden rule" but sadley with so many disfunctional people in our society our world would collapse if people lived by this rule. Can you imagine, if someone stole from me, is it right for me to go and steal from them, or if someone hit me is it right for me to hit her back, or better if I walk away? Anyways, I am actually pleased that this law was passed because I have many friends who are gay/lesbians or minority and it is sad to hear the stories of how they have been treated by society, or even worse to hear the stories each day on the news of someone murdered or mistreated because of "who they are". I'm glad Obama is stepping up to "Change" a change our world has needed for so long...he's right, it's not fair that some individuals are scared for their lives because of the misjustice of other individual's who wrongfully believe they are better than others.
Adriana Correa REHS 6345
So I want to start by saying that this has to be a big step for civil rights and was late but as the saying goes better late than never. I am a firm believer in no matter your race creed or gender orientation or any other difference a person has. An individual should never be discriminated against because of it; this goes against our very human nature. This is a big step in the change we need in our country and I hope to see more steps as the Presidents term continues on.
This is a positive step towards society healing. I think that we as society are usually very judgmental towards different sex orientations, minorities, disabilities, and in general everything that we consider “not perfect”. Our culture always stereotypes everything that makes us feel uncomfortable, and I believe that we don’t feel at ease with certain things because we are not sure of ourselves, and because many times we think that we are better than others, and it is easier to look outside ourselves and criticizes others instead of doing our personal work, and change all the imperfection that we all have.
Let’s embraced this new regulation that is trying to stop hate between different populations, and individually lets start seeing others as our brothers and sisters, because after all we all belong to the same human race.
Mary Thomas
This is good news. I am sure I am not alone in feeling sad for the victim and his/her family of hate crimes. It's about time that stiffer laws and punishment is given to persons who commit such crimes. We have been in existence for thousands and thousands of years, living and breathing amongst each other, and yet somehow someone always thinks that they are above, or superior to another because they have no disability, or the color of their skin is different. We still haven't learned to live with one another. I grew up with racial discrimination, and sometimes I still remember how painful it was for me. Sad to say, others are still living this. I've worked for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. As part of the program I worked for, we had to go to different regions along the Mexico and US border. I went to the Mexicali & Calexico border. We crossed into Mexico and met with some Yaki Indians. We stopped into a restaurant to eat supper, and being the simple persons that the Yaki's were, they sat at the bar of the restaurant while we sat at the tables. We ordered at the same time, yet we all got our food fast, while they had to wait about 20 min. I couldn't take it, so I asked my husband to join me at the bar with them. I called the waitress and asked what was the holdup with the food...they immediately brought it out...I felt so disgusted...and yes, it brought back some of my discrimination memories. So, I am glad that President Obama has signed this law and I certainly hope that people realize how ignorant they are in thinking that there is one race superior to another...there is only one race: HUMAN...everything else is insignificant.
Norfy
WOW!!! First of all, I want to admit that I did not want Barack Obama to become president. However, as time went on I am glad he ended up as President of the United States, because he has done and hopefully will continue doing all these good things. Signing the hate crime legislation that extends protection to people based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability, was a of great impact to society. This law will probably make a lot of people happy. It will also change the life’s of many people who are being tormented by others who think of them as less value. Hopefully, this law will make all the society respect others no matter what they prefer or live with in life. Overall, this was a huge step for the civil rights made by President Obama. All I could say is that I hope he continues in the same path and I will be waiting for new good things to write about him.
Gabriela L
Finally! But Javier said it, better late than never. Equality is all it’s about here. Let’s get real, hate crimes are everywhere and not just done towards people with disabilities or the gay/lesbian community. This bill does however provide more of a sense of freedom to those who may be afraid to come out due to hate crimes. People with disabilities are seeing that more and more laws are being passed that protects them and their lifestyles from hate crimes being committed by ignorant people. I have always believed in treating others the way I want to be treated no matter what their disability of personal preference may be. One step against crime, one giant leap for civill rights.
Finally! But Javier said it, better late than never. Equality is all it’s about here. Let’s get real, hate crimes are everywhere and not just done towards people with disabilities or the gay/lesbian community. This bill does however provide more of a sense of freedom to those who may be afraid to come out due to hate crimes. People with disabilities are seeing that more and more laws are being passed that protects them and their lifestyles from hate crimes being committed by ignorant people. I have always believed in treating others the way I want to be treated no matter what their disability of personal preference may be. One step against crime, one giant leap for civill rights. Joseph G.
I was reading an article titled "Hate Crimes Against Disabled People" by Mark Sherry (Social Alternatives, Vol. 19 No. 4, December, 2000)in which the author stressed the need for hate crimes legislation. I want to think that Mr. Mark Sherry is content now because such legislation has passed!!
I liked his point on how sometimes we do not think about crimes against people with disabilities as "hate crimes." We call them neglect, or abuse. However, they are to be considered crimes. I am happy about the signing of the hate crimes bill by the president. However, I d not see this as a victory for president Obama, and I would not give him much credit other than what h deserved for putting an end to the struggle of many people who are sexually diverse and who have fought for their rights for a long time.
My respect goes out to the gay and lesbian communities for their continuous advocacy movement for their rights.
We are all human, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation... we deserve to live a life in which we do not become victims of others who feel superior and feel that they have the right to "penalize" others who are different.
Leila
It is great to hear that hate crime legislation was signed by President Barack Obama. I strongly believe that no one should be judged or treated unfairly due to their choices in life or things that happen in life such as acquiring a disability. Society needs to understand and respect the dec ions that people make in their lives; there is no ideal way of living. This legislation will definitely make people think before they commit heartless acts.
Ruby Quesada
I am very happy to learn that President Obama signed the hate crimes bill. I don't understand how people can hurt others because of their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It is sad that we have to get to this extreme because there should be no reason for our society to commit these crimes. Everyone is equal and everyone deserves the same level of respect no matter what. But good that new measures are being done.
--Melchora Gracia--
This is great news. Finally a law passed against hate a crime that protects people because of their sexual orientation and people with disabilities. This is long overdue that finally someone has open their eyes to see that a lot have this have changed we need to update laws that discriminate again people who are “different” because in the long run we are all just the same, it doesn’t matter what color you are or how you look we are all the same. And we need to start treating each other like that. I just can’t imagine how must discrimination there has been for them. I hope this will make a big impact on society and their views about people of different sexual orientation and people with disabilities.
Crystal Sanchez
Barack Obama as president is in the position of making improvement in society. This is very complicated due to the fact that we are in a economic crisis, health issues and a time of war. I am proud to read on the "Golden Rule". It is idea that all gay people be respected as individuals as well as people with disabilities. The personal prejudice is so commonly seen and that is when there is such an out cry on what they feel is wrong vs right. I feel that everyone views, beliefs, perceptions, culture, values and ect... should be taken into consideration. I am proud to state that the ultimate is to make change for the better over all.
By: Tina Casares
It’s amazing that there is still so much discrimination against people who don't fit in the "norm", but this by no means makes it right. I was so happy to hear that President Barack Obama signed the hate crime legislation. I think many of us get it; we are all human beings and that's all that matters. Our gender, sexual preference, gender identity, or disability should not determine the level of respect we get. Knowing that this legislation is in place I believe will only make it that much harder for someone to be discriminated against because we all deserve the same rights and respect.
It is so good to know that President Barack Obama signed the Hate Crimes Bill. This will be something great for people who are victims of hate crime just because they are disabled or gay. Hopefully this will empower people within society to show more respect to persons with disabilities or who are gay and that there is a law that now can take action against them. Its like President Obama stated, that no one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are, or because they live with a disability.
Sylvia Garza
This article is very interesting, especially because is about protecting those that because or their sexual preferences are victims of violence. Also, this law not only protects the gay community but also people with disabilities, which I think is very justice. I also think that this law pretends to all of us since no one should be treated with discrimination and any other kind of feeling against us because we all are humans and deserved to be treated equally. No matter our sexual preferences, it matters our capability of humans beings and what can we afford to others. I really support this law.
Ivette Martinez
This article is very interesting, especially because is about protecting those that because or their sexual preferences are victims of violence. Also, this law not only protects the gay community but also people with disabilities, which I think is very justice. I also think that this law pretends to all of us since no one should be treated with discrimination and any other kind of feeling against us because we all are humans and deserved to be treated equally. No matter our sexual preferences, it matters our capability of humans beings and what can we afford to others. I really support this law.
Ivette Martinez
Awesome!! Good changes for these dangerous times! Dangerous? Yes, everyday you hear more of hate crimes and abuses done based on color of skin, sexual orientation, SES, religious preference, and presence of a disability among vast of other factors. The principle of respecting others despite differences and preferences has been set since the creation of time yet it has taken many abuses, deaths and unfair dealings to finally have a set law prohibiting these. We can only hope that things will change and we are left with the task ourselves to model equality and respect. If we want change we should start in our own house (home,community, school, work, etc.)!
Awesome!! Good changes for these dangerous times! Dangerous? Yes, everyday you hear more of hate crimes and abuses done based on color of skin, sexual orientation, SES, religious preference, and presence of a disability among vast of other factors. The principle of respecting others despite differences and preferences has been set since the creation of time yet it has taken many abuses, deaths and unfair dealings to finally have a set law prohibiting these. We can only hope that things will change and we are left with the task ourselves to model equality and respect. If we want change we should start in our own house (home,community, school, work, etc.)!-Eliana M.
This is definetly a great moment in legistlation.For far to long these hate crimes and acts of violence have been occuring and its a wonderful leap in the right direction. I have always felt people have spent to much time hating and judging other people instead of looking at their own lives and fixing that.
Ana R.
I am so glad that this bill has been passed. It is sad to know that even though society has come such a long way with protecting everyone's civil rights, there are still hate crimes being done against individuals because of sexual orientation. It is great that President Obama is also taking into consideration individuals with disabilities!
Once again, President Barack Obama promotes equality within our legal system. I think everyone is equal, no matter what race, gender, ethnicity, sexual views, political views, disability, religion and anything else for that matter. We are all human and all humanity should have equal rights. There is no one being who can define what is right and what is wrong on earth. Barack Obama is a new style of leader, he is one who promotes justice and equality. Hate crimes should be treated equally across any and all people.
I am so glad this bill was signed, it is very sad to see that in our times we are still seeing hate crimes against people because of their sexual orientation. I’m also very happy to see that this bill extends to people with disabilities because everyone should be treated the same. We are all equal and I am glad that President Obama is really making a difference.
Blanca Perez
This is great news. I know I'm commenting really late, because I do remember watching the press conferences and the signing of the bill. Along with the supporters and non-supporters commentaries on the subject. But I believe it is finally about time that they addressed an issue that has been over looked for years! I am not related to anyone who has a preference for homosexuality, but I do have friends, and I am a mother of two toddler boys. I am an open minded person and have put myself in the position of the mothers of hate crime victims. Its horrible to think that some people have not only the capacity but the concious to do such horrid acts. This legislation isn't only extended for homosexuality, but for people who discriminate and severely injures anyone with a disability. I also like that the law extends to gender identities. You hear of these sad stories of little boys or girls being killed because of their curiosity or confusion with themselves.
I had just mentioned this earlier that it would be awesome for this bill to pass, and it did!!! That quote that he said," No one should look over their shoulder and be afraid who they are..." very true.
Miguel Garza
It is so great to see that our President is continuing to fight for Civil Rights. I think that your race, sexual orientation, or disability are no means for any kind of discrimination or hatred. I think that there will always be a struggle for equality, but it is refreshing to see that the leader of our country is working towards having equal rights for all. It is a step towards people learning to be more tolerant of each other and the elimination of hate crimes.
Yes! a change for the better. It is extremely heartbreaking that we discriminate so much against people who we see as different than ourselves.Everybody deserves the same respect regardless of disability or sexual orientation. Thus, it is awesome that the president finally signed the hate crime legislation that will punish this type of discrimination. It is a positive step forward.
-Bibiana Medina
Yes!! This is a huge step forward for people everywhere in the country. Even though there is still discrimination for people everywhere for pretty much any reason, I think this step forward makes this country a bit better than it was in the past. Legislation can ecforce laws, unfortunately it does not change attitudes. However, the fact that it was signed proves that our leaders are paying attention to rights advocates and this is encourageing, because if they are listening, others are too. There has been many cases in which hate crimes have occurred towards groups of people, and these crimes are over looked as such. This legislation goes a long way to change this. This is the biggest expansion of the civil rights era law in decades, proving again that we are moving forward to protect the rights of others.
-Leivy S. Resendiz
It is interesting reading this blog because I had previously commented on another blog relating to this one. The previous blog talked about the possible passage of this very law and now it has passed. It is great to how this legislation progressed on to now actually being a law. I'm glad the president is doing something for people with disabilities. Everybody deserves a equal rights regardless.
-Bibiana Medina
I am pleased to know that justice is being done in a more specific way. It seems that no matter how many laws are passed at times, there is always someone out there who will continue to find a loop hole into continuing their discriminating and hating actions towards people they may not like. I am glad to know that this specific bill was signed and passed so that those who are hated on, discriminated against, treated unfairly or harmed because of their sex, sexual orientation and whether they are homosexual, heterosexual, transsexual or have a disability would now be protected. No one should be discriminated, hated on, treated differently, or harmed based on their sex or disability. I believe there are still many other bills needing to be passed so that specific minority groups such as this one can be protected, but excited for the small steps this nation is taking to make that happen.
Heather Bocanegra
I’m a bit confused at this legislation bill, since when did being gay become a disability? That was totally off, in my opinion, gay people are ‘regular’ people. My best friend is gay and I cannot find him different from my straight friends. It is the negative stigma against homosexuals that creates discomfort for gay persons. Just because you are gay does not mean you’re going to start flirting with the first person you encounter that’s of your same sex. I think it is unfamiliarity with the gay community that creates the stigma; gay people are very social, friendly and I am close to many gay people who have kind hearts. America needs to be more open minded and stop discriminating everyone based on their sexual orientation or disability, because at the end, I think all of us are different and we are NOT created equal, some people have to work with what they got.
C. Cardona
How many years has it taken in order for this hate crime bill to be signed for once we have a president who cares about other things to nine in his own pocket money. It shows a lot about all promise character that he signed the heat’s crime bill, protecting individuals who are different either become of their gender identity, sexual orientation or the disability. None of those things should matter when it comes to a person’s god given right to live a free and non harassed and non discriminated life. It is sad that we need a law to protect the individuals’ rights. Why is it that Americans think that they can take away another person’s dignity and self or is and tell the individual that his rights don’t matter. It is a great day that this law was signed to protect our citizens, but it is a sad day also because we have to admit to ourselves that we have not come so far as to put our differences behind its and that racism, gender bias, and discrimination are alive and kicking in this great society that we have in this great country called America.
I listened to Matthew Sheppard's mother speak at UTPA last year and was very touched by her message and her resilience. Matthew was a victim of a terrible hate crime because he was gay that resulted is his death. Today there are many young people that are dealing with their sexual identity and I would support them both personally and professionally. This type of legislation sends a message to hateful and unaccepting people that no one may be able to change the way they think or curb their hate, but now they know that if their hate causes harm to anyone else- they are breaking the law.
Cindy V.
I am not sure how much power this act gives the US goverment, but i ahve to admit i have some issues with it. LIke i said i do not know the facts or have even read the bill but if hate crime act can violate to freedom of speech right, then there is some serious issues with that law. I feel that no one should be discriminated or be a victim of some ridicules act. If this law has the power to intervene on literature that talks against gender orientation, then where does religious literature stand like the bible ANyway , for the most part, i am glad this did pass , but i hope there are no surprises on the long run with too much power to the goverment with such a bill.
Eddie
Equality is an essential component in realizing the true nature of the United States. President Obama's effort to extend hate crime legislation expresses an attitude of reform. I think he is not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. This is the biggest expansion of the civil-rights era in decades and although, we may not be at the point where we need to be, we are definitely making huge strides. It is important to note that those strides do need to begin with implementation from our government, but also amongst our interactions with one another.
Maggie Ybarra
REHS 6345
I am so happy to hear this great news. It has been a long time coming and I have so much respect for those advocacy groups who have pushed this for decades. It is not right that people treat individuals in a certain way simply because they don't understand them. There is the one story that has always stuck in my mind. It is the one of the Black man from Jasper Texas that was said to have a mild cognitive disability. They dragged him and beat him until he died. It is such a heartfelt story and I those criminals should be held for their actions. This is wonderful!!!
Cris Gonzalez
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