Yes!

"We must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability."
~ President Obama

"President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation, a milestone that activists compared to the passage of 1960s civil-rights legislation empowering blacks.

The new law adds acts of violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to the list of federal hate crimes. Gay-rights activists voiced hope that the Obama administration would advance more issues, including legislation to bar workplace discrimination, allow military service and recognize same-sex marriages.

Congress passed the hate crimes protections as an unlikely amendment to this year's Defense Authorization Act. Obama, speaking at an emotional evening reception with supporters of the legislation, said that more than 12,000 hate crimes had been reported the past decade based on sexual orientation."

I'm proud to note that the bill also contains protections for those who are transgendered -- a cause the HRC has snubbed for years.

More:
* U.S. House passes "hate crime" bill that Bush opposed
* House Passes Expanded Hate Crimes Bill (This link explains Republican objections to the bill)
* Obama signs hate crimes bill into law / Two years after son's death, mother finds solace in hate crimes bill
* Obama signs hate crimes bill
* Obama signs 'hate crimes' bill - Christian broadcasters concerned (As well they should be.)
* Hate Crimes Bill Signed Into Law 11 Years After Matthew Shepherd's Death

Note: I've publicly criticized President Obama and the Democratic congress for their lack of progress on a variety of issues. To be honest, I've found their lack of decisive action toward fulfilling campaign promises quite disheartening. But this news? This is simply wonderful. This issue and others like it are precisely why I voted for Democrats in the last election. I'm deeply, deeply proud of them today.