Hate Crimes

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act

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 by the 110th Congress. 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. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) then promptly introduced the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act in the Senate by adding it as an amendment to the Senate Defense Reauthorization bill. Ultimately, the amendment was dropped from the Defense Reauthorization bill due to opposition in the Senate and a veto threat from former-President George W. Bush.  However, President Barack Obama has indicated that the passage of hate crimes legislation is a priority of his Administration. 

NGLCC and the Issue:

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has raised its voice along with the chorus of other national LGBT 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 legislation.

The NGLCC encourages the re-introduction and passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act/Matthew Shepard Act by the 111th Congress.

Click here for draft text to send to your Senators and Representative