Clinton says GOP is ducking gay-rights bill

By ANNE GEARAN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Clinton accused congressional Republicans today of ducking a gay-rights bill out of fear it might anger some of the party’s bedrock supporters.

“The Republican majority does not want a bill that explicitly provides hate crimes protections for gay Americans,” Clinton said at the White House. “I think they think it will split their base or something.”

Clinton is pushing an anti-hate-crimes bill that would define crimes against homosexuals in much the same way as racially motivated crime.

Clinton said the legislation is not complicated, and could be attached to any number of bills now moving through Congress.

“So if it doesn’t get on (some bill) it will require an effort of the leaders to keep it off,” Clinton said before leaving for a fund-raising trip to Texas that will include a speech to a gay audience. “In other words, minority rule, not majority rule in the Congress.”

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott angrily denounced Clinton’s remarks as “demogoguery at its worst.”

“Pitting one group against another in order to gain personal electoral advantage is bad even for President Clinton,” Lott spokesman John Czwartacki said, adding that it “is certainly not our inclination” to put the bill to a vote.

“We do not have an interest in telling the families of some crimes that their sons or daughters are less important in the eyes of the federal government than the victims of other crimes,” Czwartacki said.

Clinton’s plan would add crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender or disability to the list of offenses already covered under a 1968 federal law, and allow federal prosecutors to pursue a hate-crime case if local authorities refuse to press charges.

The legislation also provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies in investigating hate crimes.

Earlier this month, the House, in a nonbinding 232-192 vote, agreed to make hate-crimes legislation part of a defense appropriations bill. The Senate voted 57-42 in favor of the hate-crimes provisions in June.

“All the surveys show that over two-thirds of the American people believe that no one should be subject to crime because of who they are,” Clinton said. “I just hope and pray we can do it. If we can’t do it, what did that Senate vote mean? Was it just some stunt?”

Copyright ©2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas talks to the crowd about the new "Imagine Monroe" city flag and symbol before the ribbon cutting on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe unveils its new $17M City Hall and municipal court

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas showcased the new campus to residents, local and state officials during a celebration Monday.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

National Weather Service issues red flag warning for slopes of Cascades

High temperatures, low humidity and winds are combining for critical fire weather conditions, either “imminent or occurring now.”

Photo courtesy of Graphite Arts Center
Amelia DiGiano’s photography is part of the “Seeing Our Planet” exhibit, which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 9 at the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A&E Calendar for July 10

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Lynnwood
Lynnwood child, 4, accidentally shoots mother, father arrested

The child retrieved a loaded firearm from his father, who was asleep at the time, South County deputies said.

Opponents of President Donald Trump’s executive order indefinitely halting refugee resettlement in the U.S. rally on the steps of the federal courthouse in Seattle on Feb. 25, 2025, after a judge issued a ruling blocking the president’s order. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Refugees from travel ban countries must be allowed to enter US, Seattle judge rules

It’s the latest twist in the legal battle over President Trump’s attempt to block refugee resettlement.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.