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GOP derails vote on hate crime bill
Associated Press
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Washington -- Senate Republicans blocked action on a hate crimes measure Tuesday, refusing to cut off debate on a bill that would make a federal crime of violent attacks prompted by victims' sexual orientation or disabilities.
Democrats said they would try again.
The bill would add crimes motivated by sex, sexual orientation and disability to the list of offenses already covered under a 1968 hate crimes law that prohibits attacks based on race, religion or national origin. It would allow federal prosecutors to pursue a hate crime case if local authorities refuse to press charges.
The 54-43 vote derailed efforts to win a speedy vote...