The Maryland General Assembly this week gave
final passage to an amended hate crime law, making it easier to convict. The bill-- SB606/ HB917 (
full text)-- defines a hate crime as one "motivated in whole or in substantial part" by a person's race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin, or because another person or group is homeless. Previously the law required the crime be committed "because of" such characteristics.
WTOP News reports on the legislature's action.