Elizabeth Birch

In the following viewpoint Elizabeth Birch argues in favor of the Hate Crime Prevention Act (HCPA), a bill that would include sexual orientation in hate crime legislation and provide federal assistance to local law enforcement in the event of a hate crime. The HCPA is necessary, she contends, because hate crimes against homosexuals are increasingly brutal. In Birch’s opinion federal legislation that stigmatizes antigay hate crimes could reduce the incidence of future attacks on homosexuals. The HCPA is currently being reviewed by a House committee. Birch is the executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay and lesbian political organization.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, why did Congress pass the Church Arson Protection Act in 1996?
2. What is...