Hi there,

Big news.

Just moments ago, the U.S. Senate approved legislation that includes The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a provision that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal hate crimes statutes.

The legislation has now passed both houses of Congress and will soon go to President Obama’s desk for his signature. Today, Sen. Jay Rockefeller joined West Virginia’s three House members—Reps. Mollohan, Rahall and Capito--in a bipartisan unified vote against intolerance. Sen. Robert Byrd was not present to vote on the final legislation, but did vote in favor of cloture earlier in the day.

Today, I’m reminded of Arthur ‘J.R.’ Warren who was brutally murdered outside of Fairmont, WV because he was gay. Every day people just like Warren are bullied, attacked, or murdered because of their real or perceived sexual orientation. Now when a person is violently attacked solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, law enforcement officials and prosecutors will have the tools necessary to make sure the assailants are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

This vote today is a big step forward. While our meetings with lawmakers in Washington is important, your calls and emails also made a difference in today’s vote. You can read our full statement here.

Thanks for all you do.

Best,
Stephen Skinner
President, Fairness WV