Republicans out to stop hate crimes bill in Alabama [View All]

[quaoar]

Now this is an interesting issue for Alabama. We have a Democratic Legislature. And in Alabama, the Legislature has all the power -- not the governor. Democrats have enough votes to make up a 3/5ths majority to cut off debate. But there are currently two vacanies that reduce this majority to less than 3/5ths, so Republicans are emboldened.

They apparently see this as an opening to label Democrats as the "gay" party for the fall statewide elections. Unfortunately, this sleazy tactic might work.

This is especially distressing to me because I know Cam Ward, the GOP front man on this issue. He's a good guy. I've worked with him to help develop more low-income housing in central Alabama. He is not an ideological head case.

I plan to call him about this. If you were me, what would you say to him?

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060119/hate.shtml

By Phillip Rawls
Associated Press Writer

MONTGOMERY — A legislative committee voted largely along party lines Wednesday to expand Alabama's hate crimes law to cover crimes committed because of the victim's sexual orientation. But some Republicans are determined to make sure the legislation goes no further in this election year.

Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, said House Republican leaders have agreed "to lock down the House" if the bill comes up for debate. "And we've got the votes to do it," he said.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee held a lively debate on the hate crime legislation, with the remarks covering everything from the Holocaust to capital punishment. Some Republican representatives spoke against the legislation proposed by Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, but they didn't ask for a roll call vote.

The committee had a sharply divided voice vote that broke down largely along party lines, and committee Chairman Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, declared the bill approved. Holmes said he expected a close vote, but he believes he can muster enough support in the House to pass his bill.