Congress wants to put hate-group ban into law

The job of recruiters could get tougher as a result of a provision in the compromise 2010 defense policy bill that bars enlistment of anyone who has been an active participant in an extremist group.

This would include any groups advocating discrimination based on race, sex, creed, religion or national origin, especially if the group advocates to the use of violence — something recruiters will have to screen for if the bill becomes law.

Participation in such groups already is prohibited for current service members by regulation, but the compromise defense bill, HR 2647, also puts the prohibition into law.

The House of Representatives gave final approval to the bill two weeks ago and the Senate is expected to take the bill up in the next few weeks.

The rules will take effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.

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