Canada passes gay hate crimes law
The Canadian Senate passed a law banning hate propaganda targeting gays and lesbians, and the bill's author, Svend Robinson, grinned and hugged well-wishers on the streets of Ottawa. The bill's passage by a 59-11 vote was the culmination of years of lobbying by Robinson, Parliament's first openly gay MP, to amend the 30-year-old hate crimes law. It bans the incitement of genocide or hatred against an "identifiable group" defined by color, race, religion, ethnic origin, and now, sexual orientation. On a sidenote, Robinson went on extended medical leave two weeks ago after shoplifting a $50,000 ring from a public auction display. He later returned it with a public apology.
Toronto Star
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