Sen. Royce West, (D-Dallas), right, hugs Sen. Rodney Ellis, (D-Houston), on the floor of the Texas Senate after the Senate approved the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act. (Harry Cabluck - AP)
Matthew Shepard Case The beating death of a gay Wyoming student was denounced by national leaders and prompted vigils around the country. Jasper Killing: The Murder of James Byrd Three white men chained a disabled black man to the back of their pickup truck and dragged him to his death.
Texas Senate Passes Bill The Texas Senate passed a hate crimes bill that includes enhanced penalties for offenses motivated by a victim's race, gender or sexual orientation.
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