The House to Vote on Hate Crimes Bill

A new bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identification to the list of crimes that are covered under the federal hate crime law passed the House Judiciary Committee late Wednesday night and are now heading to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, it would allow the Department of Justice to assist local authorities in investigating and prosecuting cases in which violence occurs.

According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) attacks against GLBT Americans are the third most common category of hate crimes.

"Law enforcement is now one step closer to getting the extra tools they need to combat hate violence,” said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a statement.

"Hate crimes continue to spread fear and violence among entire communities of Americans and currently, law enforcement can use these additional tools and resources to prevent and prosecute them."

The legislation has been endorsed by more than 210 law enforcement, civil rights, civic and religious organizations, including: the National Sheriffs' Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

A recent survey conducted by Peter Hart Research Associates also found that three in four voters favor to extend hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity.