Whew! Better late than never, but never late is better right? The United States of America’s House of Representatives has officially passed a bill to make lynching a federal hate crime in a historic vote.
The vote took place Wednesday, and the House of Representatives passed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, named after the 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally murdered in a racist attack in Mississippi in 1955.
The house voted in support of the act in a 410-4 vote, meaning 4 whole humans voted against making lynching a federal hate crime.
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According to CNN, Independent Rep. Justin Amash voted against the bill along with three Republicans: Thomas Massie, Ted Yoho, and Louie Gohmert. Yoho apparently said that he voted against the bill because it is an ”overreach of the federal government” and tramples on state’s rights.”
Three black senators, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, are the ones who helped pushed the bill through to the senate last year.
“Today brings us one step closer to finally reconciling a dark chapter in our nation’s history,” Corey Booker said in a statement about the bill being passed.
“We are one step closer to finally outlawing this heinous practice and achieving justice for over 4,000 victims of lynching,” Bobby L. Rush said.
The bill describes lynching as “a pernicious and pervasive tool” that was frequently performed “by multiple offenders and groups rather than isolated individuals.”
President Donald Trump is expected to officially sign this bill into law once it reaches his desk in the oval office.
We will keep you posted on any updates regarding any more progress on making this hate crime a federal crime Roommates.
