In a statement yesterday the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) revealed that U.S. Senate leadership will attempt to pass hate crimes legislation—which would add sexual orientation, gender identity and disability protections to federal law—as an amendment and not as stand-alone legislation. HRC spokesperson Trevor Thomas speaking to the Washington Blade:

“We understand that Senate leadership does not believe a hearing or mark up on the bill is necessary and plans to bring it directly to the floor as an amendment to another moving vehicle,” he said.

Thomas said the Senate determined it would pass the legislation as an amendment because the chamber’s leaders believes that’s “the most efficient way” to send the measure to the president’s desk.

Another reason may be that the Senate doesn’t have enough votes to get the measure passed as a stand-alone bill, as reported in an update on Pam’s House Blend late yesterday.

HRC is urging Congress to get hate crimes legislation to President Obama’s desk before the end of the summer.

Update: GOProud executive director Jimmy LaSilva wants to join hate crimes legislation with a provision allowing gun owners to carry their concealed weapons across state lines. Ouch!

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, talked about the need for schools free of bigotry and fear at the GLSEN Respect Awards in New York. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is a national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Said Biden:

“Change is not easy, especially when it comes to ending bigotry and fear. But I am confident that together, we will succeed. That is why I am proud to tell you that the Obama-Biden administration shares your commitment to making sure every student has a safe school. Each child, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, deserves an education.”

You probably didn’t realize it today but May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Founded in Canada by Foundation Émergence  in 2003, the yearly event advocates social acceptance of homosexuality and fighting homophobia in all it’s forms.

From their website:

An International Day Against Homophobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world that can provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Inspired by all world theme-days, the day set aside to fight homophobia needs to be appropriated by all of those actively involved in civil society: gay and lesbian community organizations, those organizations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration, professional associations, and all individuals seeking equality.

In an effort to help promote the event, gays.com put out this great video starring LGBT folks from around the globe proclaiming their pride. Watch.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Rp8ep_ezE[/youtube]

IDAHO unfortunately  has garnered little press here in the United States.

In an appeal for public help, Sydney police have released a disturbing x-ray image of a young man who was brutally murdered by driving 34 nails deep into his skull with a nail gun.

The image is of Chen (Anthony) Liu, a gay Chinese immigrant whose body was found decomposing in the Georges river—wrapped in plastic, wire and extension cord—in November 2008, nearly two weeks after his disappearance.

From the Sydney Morning Herald:

“In 36 years, I’ve never seen a murder of this nature,” Supt Beresford told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

“It’s a particularly brutal and vicious murder and hence the reason we are seeking information from the public.”

He said 34 nails had entered “predominantly into the head area” at very close range, fired from an 85mm nail gun.

“We certainly believe the nail gun is responsible for the death, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

And from the local television station:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfFJsmMXyxM[/youtube]

While the Sydney police are reluctant to qualify the Liu’s murder as a hate crime at this time, if it walks and talks like a hate crime… well my friends, it’s probably a hate crime. Whether it’s based on race, sexual orientation or both.

But if you ask Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, who is vehemently opposed to the hate crimes legislation now coursing its way through Congress, he would likely disagree. From Perkins’ Fight Hate Crimes website:

Hate Crimes legislation is ultimately a Thought Crime law, allowing citizens to be prosecuted for their religious beliefs.

Hate Crimes legislation is a violation of our First Amendment rights of Free Speech and Free Exercise of Religion.

Hate Crimes legislation creates a special class of people based on their “sexual orientation” or “gender identity.”

The Constitutional rights of pastors and religious individuals to peacefully disagree on issues of sexual orientation should be protected.

Again we circle around to the whole religious persecution argument. Mr. Perkins, unless faith is proven to be a major and recurring motive in brutal slayings such as these, then you really don’t have anything to worry about. Or IS that what you’re worried about? This is a free country Mr. Perkins,  and you are entitled to your bigotry and hate, but not the violence that flows from it. And that violence should be punished in kind, not to diminish your faith, but to discourage the violence and hate that often uses religion as its source.

Hat tip to Gay News Blog.