Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill Killed by Senate Filibuster

The Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Leonidas Dyer of Missouri, passed the House 230–119 in January 1922. It would have made lynching a federal crime with penalties of up to $10,000 and five years in prison. Southern Democratic senators filibustered the bill to death in November 1922. Senators Carter Glass (VA), Pat Harrison (MS), and others led the obstruction. President Warren Harding gave tepid support but failed to pressure the Senate. The NAACP had lobbied intensively for four years.