Senate drops gays from hate crimes bill

updated 2:04 p.m. ET Dec. 6, 2007

WASHINGTON - The Senate has dropped its insistence that Congress pass legislation expanding hate crime laws to include attacks on gays, after it became clear the measure wouldn't pass the House, according to congressional aides.

House and Senate negotiators agreed on Thursday to drop the provision from a major defense policy bill. The legislation authorizes the military to spend some $150 billion in money for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and provides detailed policy guidance on the Pentagon's multibillion weapons programs.

The exclusion of the hate-crimes provision pushed by Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., is a blow to civil rights groups who say it is necessary to address a rise in crimes motivated by prejudice against a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

The military bill is "the last clear chance this year for Congress to make a meaningful effort to stop hate crime violence," said Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.

MORE FROM CAPITOL HILL

Capitol Hill Section Front

What Senate health bill means for consumers Dems praise tentative health bill compromise House votes to extend $31 billion in tax breaks Battle lines forming over TARP extension Congress to subpoena 'party crasher' couple Congressman ends effort to honor Tiger Woods General: Bin Laden capture key to U.S. efforts Lieberman appears open to health bill deal Congress readies huge year-end spending bill Gate-crashers to take the Fifth if subpoenaed Capitol Hill Section Front   Add Capitol Hill headlines to your news reader: