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Senate Vote on Matthew Shepard Act!
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY!
The Matthew Shepard Act is coming to a vote on the Senate Floor THIS WEEK and we need you to send an email (just click on link to right) today.
If you have a couple extra minutes, please also make two calls, one to each of your Senators. Call 202-224-3121 and tell each of your Senators to vote YES on the hate crimes bill. Our allies on the Hill are reporting an avalanche of 300,000 letters and calls from right-wing groups trying to stop it. Anti-LGBT leaders like Focus on the Family’s James Dobson are now calling the bill “utter evil.” They’re even referring to it as the “Pedophile Protection Act.”
If you’ve never called Congress, don't be shy, it's simple and will take less than a minute:
1. Before 5 p.m. ET, call the Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and tell the operator you’d like to speak to the Senators from your state. (You can also look up your Senator’s direct number here)
2. One of your senator’s interns will likely answer and ask where you’re calling from and why. Tell them you’re calling to urge the Senator to vote for the Matthew Shepard Act (S. 909). Most calls-end right there. But if you like, you can add:
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Hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are on the rise.
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One out of every six hate crimes is because of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Hate crimes have more than one victim. They are intended to create an atmosphere of fear and terrorize entire communities.
3. Dial the switchboard again (202-224-3121) and ask to speak to the other Senator from your state and repeat step two.
NOTE - Delivery to Texas Senator John Cornyn requires an additional cut and paste step in order to deliver your email. BEFORE CLICKING "SEND THIS MESSAGE", COPY THE LETTER BODY. After clicking "SEND THIS MESSAGE", the next screen will include a link "CLICK THRU TO SUBMIT", which will redirect to Senator Cornyn's website. Paste the letter body and provide your contact info, then submit.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support Hate Crimes Bill
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
As your constituent, I am writing today to strongly urge you to vote for S. 909, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which will secure comprehensive hate crimes protections for Americans who are victims of bias-motivated attacks.
Every hour of every day, at least one hate crime offense is committed somewhere in the United States. Of those attacked, it's estimated that at least 15% of hate crimes are related to a person's perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.
I'm asking you to help change that by voting to pass comprehensive federal hate crimes legislation without delay.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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