SM1002 & HM 2002 would urge Congress and the President, on behalf of the state of Arizona, to enact the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal bill that would add gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability to federal hate crimes law.

The Matthew Shepard Act would authorize the Department of Justice to assist state and local governments in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes and to assume jurisidiction over a hate crime if a state or locality requests it, if a state or locality is unable or willing to pursue the case, or if the outcome of the case does not satisfy federal interests in eradicating hate crimes.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Existing federal law grants local law enforcement agencies resources to investigate bias-motivated crimes based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. This law has enhanced the ability of local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated crimes in our communities.

The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would grant local law enforcement agencies access to federal resources that aren't currently available by expanding the federal law to include gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Perpetrators of hate crimes select their victims simply because of their identity, devastating the lives of the victims and their families, and terrorizing entire communities.

Please take this opportunity to urge Congress and the President to enact the Matthew Sheapard Act. Please support SM 1002 or HM 2002.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 17, 2008