Senate Hearing on Matthew Shepard Act

URGE YOUR SENATORS TO SUPPORT THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT!

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a hearing on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act for Thursday, June 25, 2009.  So your Senators need to hear from you now!

 

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.  Click here to tell your Senators this is unacceptable!

 

The Matthew Shepard Act would give the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence.  It protects people based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

 

Please take action today and let your Senators know this bill is important to you!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Help Stop Hate Crimes

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As your constituent, I am writing today to strongly urge you to pass 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,

Campaign Launched:
June 22, 2009


Background Information

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people often fear for their lives and safety. One of every six hate crimes is committed because of sexual orientation or gender identity – and that number is on the rise.

Now, two years after George W. Bush's veto threat blocked it, the Matthew Shepard Act is back.  This time, it has a real shot of becoming the law of the land.  The bill has already passed the House and is now before the Senate. Right-wing groups are using lies and distortion to defeat this important bill again. If we're silent, they could bring lawmakers who are on the fence over to their side.

Send a message to your Senators today. Tell them we need the Matthew Shepard Act to help ensure safety and security for ALL people.