WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation Thursday that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. [cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/10/22/hate.crimes/art.1751.shepard.kare.jpg caption="The bill is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay teenager who was beaten to death in 1998."] The expanded federal hate crimes … Continue reading Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature