Today is a landmark day for people everywhere who are standing up to hate.
The United States Senate has passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the first major piece of legislation providing federal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. President Obama has pledged to sign the bill into law.
On this historic night, Not In Our Town will meet Judy Shepard, when she visits Danville, CA to read from her new book, The Meaning of Matthew. The event is a benefit for Not In Our Town, sponsored by Rakestraw Books, and we will be bringing our thanks and congratulations to Judy Shepard tonight.
If you would like to send a message of thanks to Judy, please share it in the comments below!
Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard and president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board, has been a powerful advocate for the legislation for over a decade. "Dennis and I are extremely proud of the Senate for once again passing this historic measure of protection for victims of these brutal crimes," she stated today. "Knowing that the president will sign it, unlike his predecessor, has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile. Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly, and they need to know that their government will protect them from violence, and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families."
Comments
Thank you so much Judy
NIOT Facebook fans are saying "Thank You, Judy!"
Not In Our Town's Facebook fans are also sending thanks on our FB page!
NIOT Fan Says Thank You
We stand with you in solidarity and support. Thank you.
Barbara Glickstein
Congradulations Judy and Dennis!
This is a great day for equality. Your love for your son and your refusal to let his and other people's rights be trampled on has made this day possible. With this day comes justice.
Thank you.
Your strength has been inspiring to more people than you can know. I can certinly say it has had a huge impact on my life. I can only wonder what Mathew would want to say to you about today but I think you know the answer to that question.
Peace be with you-
Jeff Bryant
Former cast member of the Laramie Project at Newark Memorial High school in 2002.
Yay!
Long overdue and thank you so much Judy!!!!
Thank you Judy
Thank you Judy
Thank you
Our family is so thankful for your hard work and effort getting Matthew s' anti-hate crime bill passed.
My son, jeff, was a cast member of The Laramie Project at Newark Memorial High School, which experienced a hate crime against a young transgender Gwen, during their rehearsal period. Since that time, I have been proud that my son has been one of the people who have continued to speak out against hate crimes. Matthews' horrible death has now helped many and will help many more people. I still morn the loss of your son, but I treasure the beauty of the good of his life and all the accomplishments for civil rights for the GLTB community and all of those who care about them and fairness in the world.
Barbara George
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