Tomorrow, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, vital legislation that includes explicit protections against hate crimes based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is urging people to call their Senators now (202-224-3121) and ask for him/her to the vote for passage of the Act.
HRC also gives us a procedural note: There is a cloture vote on the legislation scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST Thursday. If the legislation gets 60 votes, the Senate will proceed to consideration of the hate crimes act, an amendment to the Department of Defense authorization bill.
Yes, it’s been a while since most of us watched the West Wing. Here’s the official lowdown on cloture. Basically, it’s a way to end debate and move to a vote on the legislation. Think I’ll try it next time our son tries to argue his bedtime. (Yes, my vote counts more. This isn’t a representative democracy here.)
Hmm. I look forward to hearing the result.
Sort of. I look forward to it passing, but maybe I’m just being hopeful.
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