Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Dear [your Senators' or Representative's names here],
I am writing today to encourage you to ensure that hate crimes legislation is re-introduced and passed in the 111th Congress, and that the Mattew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as it was introduced in the 110th Congress be preserved as the legislation is debated by you and your colleagues.
Anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) hate violence damages individuals, families, groups and American communities. Individuals that engage in violence against LGBT people send a clear message to the entire LGBT community that those that are or are perceived to be LGBT are unwelcome and unsafe.
Keeping provisions that would add actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability to the existing federal statute is not only the right thing to do, but also has the ability to reduce violence against LGBT people. According to the American Psychological Association, “hate crimes are not necessarily random, uncontrollable, or inevitable occurrences,” and “there is overwhelming evidence that society can intervene to reduce or prevent many forms of violence, especially among young people, including the hate-induced violence that threatens and intimidates entire categories of people.” You are faced with the opportunity to reduce or prevent hate crimes against LGBT people with such hate crimes legislation.
As my elected United States Senator/Representative, I am asking that you show your leadership and ensure the LGBT community is protected through the Matthew Shepard Act.
Sincerely,
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