The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act / Matthew Shepard Act
Click here for draft text to send to your Senator
The Issue:
A 1969 law serves as a national hate crimes law and "prohibits willful injury, intimidation, or interference or attempt to do so, by force or threat of force of any person because of race, color, religion, or national origin".
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act / Matthew Shepard Act was passed in The U.S. House of Representatives on May 3, 2007. The purpose of the act is "to provide federal assistance to states, local jurisdictions and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes” based on sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. On July 12, 2007 Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduced the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act into the Senate. They introduced the measure by adding it as an amendment to the Senate Defense Reauthorization bill. The Act will be most likely be voted on by Friday July 20, 2007.
NGLCC and the Issue:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has raised its voice along with the chorus of other LGBT rights organizations in favor of an existing hate crimes act based on sexual orientation, gender and gender identity. The NGLCC is working with champions in Congress, the LGBT business community and other LGBT organizations to build support for this act.
Members of the Senate should support The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act / Matthew Shepard Act.
