Anti-gay groups launch campaign to defeat measureSens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) were scheduled to introduce legislation in the Senate this week authorizing the federal government to prosecute hate crimes targeting gays and transgender persons.
Gay and transgender activists working with Kennedy and Smith have said the legislation was expected to be identical to the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 introduced in the House on March 20 by Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).
The introduction of the Senate version of the bill comes at a time when conservative religious groups have launched an aggressive campaign to oppose the legislation by calling it a pro-homosexual measure that would promote "cross-dressing" and "transsexualism."
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Now is one of the times to make your voice heard. I do not care if you live in one of the regions for the most homophobic, stand up and be counted.
Decades of Hate Violence. Let's take action now.One in six hate crimes are motivated by the victim's sexual orientation, and yet today's federal laws don't include any protections for these Americans.
We're closer than ever to passing a federal law that includes sexual orientation, gender identity, gender and disability. This law would give local law enforcement officials the proper resources they need to investigate bias-motivated attacks and put society's most vicious offenders behind bars.
Take action—make sure your lawmakers do the right thing.Fight hate crimes - online photo exhibitLearn more about hate crimesSENATORS KENNEDY AND SMITH INTRODUCE HATE CRIMES BILL, RENAME IT 'MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT'"The renaming of the Senate version of the legislation was done in honor of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard who died more than eight years ago in Laramie, Wyo., and highlighted the problem of anti-gay hate crimes for many Americans. The bill would strengthen the ability of law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute hate crimes.
"Dennis and I are deeply honored that Senators Smith and Kennedy have renamed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act the 'Matthew Shepard Act.' This is a beautiful tribute to our son and his memory," said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and mother of Matthew Shepard.
Speak Out, an action guide {
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HRC's Equally Speaking Morning Dose (LGBT News, a video a few minutes long)
