This morning, Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) filed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 1105) as an amendment for consideration to the Department of Defense Reauthorization currently being debated before the U.S. Senate.  The bill, commonly referred to as the "Hate Crimes Bill", could receive a Senate vote as early as tomorrow.  The virtually identical House version of the bill passed overwhelmingly on May 3rd, 2007 with a bipartisan vote of 237 to 180 - with more than 20 Republicans voting in support of the bill. 

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a constituent I want my senator to know that I strongly support Passage of the Matthew Shepard Act (S. 1105).This bill does NOT threaten free speech or weaken the Constitution. This bill would only apply to violent attacks based on the victim's gender, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

It would also provide funding to help law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute violent hate crimes.

This legislation has been endorsed by over 230 civic, religious, and law enforcement organizations. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my support for the Matthew Shepard Act

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 11, 2007