Hate Crimes Legislation Heads to the President's Desk

by Michael Jones · 2009-10-22 14:38:00 UTC
Topics:

Hate crimes laws

It's been more than a decade in the making, but finally expanded hate crimes legislation including protections for sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability will head to the President's desk for signing. With this, as CNN dubbed it earlier today, the first piece of federal civil rights legislation will become law for LGBT Americans. And it passed overwhelmingly, with a vote of 68-29 in the U.S. Senate.

It's hard not to think first and foremost of Judy and Denis Shepard in the wake of this news, given that both Judy and Denis have tirelessly worked for expanded hate crimes laws since their gay son, Matthew, was killed in a hate crime in Wyoming in 1998. According to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, more than 7,000 hate crimes happen each year, many against people who are or are perceived to be LGBT. Finally, these folks have some federal protections that will deter violent crime.

Folks at the Family Equality Council noted that with Congress's blessing, hate crimes laws will make civil rights history in the U.S.

"LGBT families live in 99% of counties nationwide. We are neighbors, friends, loved ones, family members, workers and community members. Many of us are also parents who want more than anything to keep our children safe and to raise them in a world that finds strength in difference and celebrates diversity," said their Executive Director, Jennifer Chrisler. "Bias-motivated violence against any individual hurts our entire community. The protections and resources moved forward by Congress will ensure greater safety not just for LGBT people as individuals, but as parents and caregivers."

Today is a day where love has conquered hate. It also marks an important legislative victory for the Obama administration, which has taken some heat for not delivering on it thus far. That meme all changes today, and when the President signs this bill -- which he's promised to do -- here's hoping that Judy and Denis Shepard are standing right behind him.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has also launched a Web site where folks can go to celebrate today's victory for LGBT rights. Here's hoping it's the first victory of many under this Congress and this administration.

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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