(Las Vegas—April 29, 2009) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act by 249 to 175. The bill would give the U.S. Attorney General the tools to assist states in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crimes that may be motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of the victim. The bill would specifically not prohibit the exercise of constitutionally-protected free speech.

The house passed the same legislation in the last session of congress but with a bigger majority this session. "Congresswomen Berkley and Titus stood on the side of compassion and justice with their votes in support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act today. The southern Nevada LGBT community commends them for their courage and thanks them for voting to give law enforcement the necessary tools to track and ultimately prevent as many future hate crimes as possible," said Candice Nichols, Executive Director.

Yesterday, President Obama urged passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in a statement released by the White House. Along with the President, 300 law enforcement, civil rights and religious organizations are supportive of the bill. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.