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We know that some people in the community are skeptical about fighting for a hate-crimes law. We're sympathetic and understand that after so many years of pushing for this law, they want to move on to other issues like marriage and repealing the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Gaining civil rights, however, is a step-by-step process.

It's no surprise to anyone that this Congress doesn't fully support every issue important to the LGBT community, but a majority of its members overwhelmingly believes that the federal hate-crimes statute should be comprehensive and inclusive—and that is progress. So, from a tactical standpoint, a hate-crimes law is the logical first issue for our community to pursue in this new, friendlier Congress.

You may ask, isn't the bill merely symbolic? It won't stop future attacks or bring back those we've lost. Well, it is true that there is some symbolic value to the law.