(Reuters) - Nicaragua’s parliament voted on Tuesday to amend the Central American country’s constitution to allow life sentences for hate crimes despite criticism from human rights organizations who contend it will be used to target political opponents. Legislators loyal to President Daniel Ortega pushed through the amendment with 70 votes in favor and 16 against. The maximum sentence has been 30 years for hate crimes. The change still needs to be approved in a second legislative period, with the next starting on Jan. 10.