I think this bill is ridiculous and needs to be squashed, unfortunately, I doubt that it will.

It is one thing to make sexual orientation a class for something such as insurance benefits, etc... and Im not trying to open up that can of worms.

It is something of a completely different order to suddenly start inserting the federal government into crimes that are generally very politicized and force local prosecutors to do something or punish someone in a way they normally would not.

Let me give you an example! In my office, the largest in Ohio, we recently had a case where a homosexual couple were assaulted after leaving an Indians game. The local press, and some national groups descended upon Cleveland like no other - however - when we looked at the case we could find absolutely no proof that they were targetted for being gay. For instance, we had the security video... the two guys were not holding hands, or giving any indication they were a couple.

What really happened, was an assault - it was probably going to be a robbery, but the cops working the game happened to see it and responded right away.

If people are acting like bigots, call them out. If they are acting like criminals, punish them for their criminal act. Being a bigot should not be a criminal act. If being a bigot becomes criminal then what about someone who is zealously conservative or openly and ardently liberal?