The United States Senate passed landmark legislation today that expands the coverage and protection of federal hate crime laws to now include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability. While a 1994 federal law technically covered gays, the scope of the law was so narrow that it was hardly ever used. Today’s legislation is expected to be signed by President Obama soon. It marks the first practical expansion of the most broadly applicable criminal civil rights law since 1968.


The Human Rights Campaign's Joe Solmonese said on HRC's website “We’re in the home stretch.  This critical piece of legislation is on its way to the President’s desk for his signature....We look forward to President Obama signing it into law; our nation’s first major piece of c ivil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."

Matthews  mother Judy has fought hard and tirelessly for the law to pass, since her sons death.  She said, ""Dennis and I are extremely proud of the Senate for once again passing this historic measure of protection for victims of these brutal crimes,” said Judy Shepard, president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board.
 
“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."

READ  MORE  AT  MATTHEW SHEPARD FOUNDATION

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