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Bungalo!
Berwyn United Neighborhood Gay And Lesbian Organization


Legislation



Hate Crimes Amendment Removed from
Dept. of Defense Conference Report

As reported on December 6, 2007, HRC website: The House-Senate conferees confirmed that the Matthew Shepard Act, which had passed the Senate as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, would be removed from the final version of the bill. This announcement was made after House Leadership’s whipping the vote count on the conference report concluded there were not enough votes for passage of the bill if it included the hate crimes provision.

“Today’s decision is deeply disappointing, especially given the historic passage of hate crimes legislation through both Houses of Congress this year. After more than ten years and several successful bipartisan votes, it is heartbreaking to fall short this close to the finish line,” said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “However, we are not giving up on efforts to find another legislative vehicle, in the second half of this Congress, to move the Matthew Shepard Act.”

Our fight continues. Take action, call or write your elected officials!

Historic Step! U.S. House Passes The Employment Non-Discrimination Act

On November 7, 2007 a historic 1st step was taken by our House of Representatives. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed by a vote of 235 to 184, a simple majority of 419 votes(210) was required.
Ayes: 235 (54%) 200 Democrats and 35 Republican.
Nays: 184 (42%) 25 Democrats and 159 Republicans.
No Vote:14 (3%) 8 Democrats and 6 Republicans.

Illinois Roll Call:
Aye IL-1 Rush, Bobby [D]
Aye IL-2 Jackson, Jesse [D]
Nay IL-3 Lipinski, Daniel [D]
Aye IL-4 Gutierrez, Luis, [D]
Aye IL-5 Emanuel, Rahm [D]
Nay IL-6 Roskam,Peter [R]
Aye IL-7 Davis, Danny [D]
Aye IL-8 Bean, Melissa [D]
Aye IL-9 Schakowsky, Janice [D]
Aye IL-10 Kirk, Mark [R]
Nay IL-11 Weller, Gerald [R]
Aye IL-12 Costello, Jerry [D]
Aye IL-13 Biggert, Judy[R]
Nay IL-14 Hastert, J. [R]
Nay IL-15 Johnson,Timothy [R]
Nay IL-16 Manzullo, Donald [R]
Aye IL-17 Hare, Phil [D]
No Vote IL-18 LaHood, Ray [R]
Nay IL-19 Shimkus, John [R]

If your Congress person is not listed above and you would like to see how they voted, paste the following address in your browser:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2007-1057

View Members of Congress & Congressional District Maps
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd to view your district map.

Want to know more? Go to
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3685

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