G'afternoon Kossacks,
Tomorrow, the United States House of Representatives will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act, also known as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913). This important Act would provide federal assistance to states, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes that are perpetrated because of homophobia. In other words, this Act would help to provide local law enforcement agencies with the needed money to investigate and deter hate crimes against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This Act would amend pre-existing hate crime laws so that they would include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Below, you will see Matthew Shepard - the person for whom this Act is named. In October 1998, Shepard was tortured and killed by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson because Shepard was gay. McKinney and Henderson are now in jail. It's the hope of many people that this Act will deter further hate crimes. I've got a couple of resources below the fold, but most of all, We need your voice!
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I'm posting a picture of the killers - Aaron McKinney and Russell Shepard below - in order to remember that these murderers are real people (and so that history won't just be swept under the rug).
If you'd like to hear more about why this Act is a worthwhile cause, please check out this short video by Matthew Shepard's mom - Judy Shepard. She explains how this Act will help people...
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As you see in the video above, there are so many reasons - and so many people - for why this Act should be passed. No one should ever lose a loved one to a hate crime So now - Would you please help by making your support of this bill known? If you can, please call or write your representative before tomorrow afternoon. We really need every progressive's voice!
You can find your Representative in the U.S. House by going to this U.S. Congress Website and entering in your state information. Or you can find your congress representative's phone number by going to this Congress Site and scrolling down to find your local person's number. All you have to say to them is -- "I support the Matthew Shepard Act (i.e., Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, and I am asking you VOTE YES on H.R. 1913 tomorrow." You can also find more information about this significant act at the Human Rights Campaign Website.
For the full text of the HR 1913 Matthew Shepard Act - click Here. It should also be noted that in 2007-2008, a version of this bill was passed by the Congress, but because of George W. Bush's opposition to lesbian and gay rights, and other conservatives, this bill never got signed into law (at the very last minute). In contrast, President Obama said that he will sign this bill, making it law.
If you'd like to hear a 2nd opinion on this Act - You can look at what some of the major Civil Rights Organization are saying. These quotes come from the Human Rights Campaign's website...
"The ACLU strongly supports the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as protecting both civil rights and free speech and association. We have found in our experience of fighting for stronger protections for civil rights and free speech and association rights that the two go hand in hand. Vigilant protection of free speech rights historically has opened the doors to effective advocacy for expanded civil rights protections." – Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Washington Legislative Office [Press Contact: Linda Paris, (202) 715-0804]
"The right to be protected and to be safe and free from physical harm or intimidation is the most fundamental of civil and human rights. We urge Congress to quickly pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, legislation that will enhance protections against hate crimes and give local police departments the resources they need to crack down on hate motivated violence." – Benjamin Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP [Press Contact: Leila McDowell, (202) 463 2940, ext.1005]
"Too many times when heinous crimes are committed against people with disabilities, these offenses either go unreported or unprosecuted as hate crimes, even if the circumstances clearly show the victim was targeted because of a disability. AAPD strongly supports the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, which, if passed, will help protect people with disabilities from those who commit violent, bias-motivated crimes by giving law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute these crimes." – Andrew Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) [Press Contact: Rebecca Panoff, (202) 508-3783 (V/TTY)]
"As Jews and Americans committed to social justice, we commend the House Judiciary Committee for swiftly approving the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Our nation’s great strength is built on pluralism and a deep respect for diversity. This critical piece of legislation will better protect all Americans from insidious bias-motivated violence. These crimes are anathema to our values." – Rabbi Steve Gutow, President of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) [Press Contact: Rabinowitz/Dorf, (202) 265-3000]
"Many communities of color have seen a spike in hate crimes and even though there are laws to protect hate crime victims, some do not go far enough. This bill would give the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where the current law is inadequate and by passing it, Congress can send a strong message that acts of intolerance are unacceptable." – Janet Murguia, President and CEO of the National Council on La Raza (NCLR) [Press Contact: Marie Watteau, (202) 776-1812]
"It is essential that we make our nation’s civil rights laws just and equal for every individual. It is long past time for Congress to make clear that crimes of hate and prejudice will not be tolerated in America." – Nancy Ratzan, President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) [Press Contact: Emily Alfano, (202) 296-2588, ext. 5