Attorney General Eric Holder has asserted that any federal hate-crimes law would be used only to prosecute violent acts based on bias , as opposed to the prosecution of speech based on controversial racial or religious beliefs . June : House approves bill expanding hate crimes law . Measure would make it a crime to assault person because of sexual orientation . Religious groups fear law would suppress conservative speech . Attorney general says it should be used only to prevent violence .
June : House approves bill expanding hate crimes law . Measure would make it a crime to assault person because of sexual orientation . Religious groups fear law would suppress conservative speech . Attorney general says it should be used only to prevent violence .