That means 20 senators must vote to allow debate. Ellis has been one vote away for several weeks. While 20 senators must vote to allow the debate, it only takes a majority to pass the legislation. Thompson said blacks were 50 percent more likely that other groups to be targeted in hate crimes and that gays and lesbians were the second most targeted groups. The James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Bill enhances penalties for crimes committed against people because of their race, religion, color, disability, gender, age, national ancestry or sexual orientation.
Opponents say the law singles out groups for special protections.
All rights reserved.