Hate Crimes Bill Is Passed! October 28, 2009
chuvachienes on Featured, News
We continue to make history and this one is close and very dear to my heart. I was still living in California at the time when Matthew Shepard, a young gay man – was cruelly beaten and left in the desert to die because he is gay. It was a very sad time for me.
Yesterday, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. A historic day not only for gays but for all Americans.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act would expand the federal definition of hate crimes to include those motivated by gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. It also will allow federal authorities to pursue hate-crimes cases when local authorities are either unable or unwilling to do so.
“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.” – Pres. Barack Obama
This is a day in history that I will never forget. I am so glad that I lived to see it happen.
