Pass the Matthew Shepard Act

Greetings,

Ten years ago, college student Matthew Shepard was attacked, brutally beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in the Wyoming countryside -- just because he was gay.

Ten years later, the federal government still has no authority to investigate, prosecute, or help local law enforcement crack down on hate crimes like the one committed by Matthew Shepard's murderers.

Two years ago, the House and the Senate both passed the hate crimes bill. If George W. Bush's veto pen hadn't stood in the way, it would surely be law today.

2009 marks our best chance yet to get this bill signed into law. But it is far from a done deal. Our opponents will not be silent and they will try to drag this debate into the gutter.

At this very moment, they're gearing up to bombard Congress with bald-faced lies about the Matthew Shepard Act. They will claim that the bill will criminalize pastors and their sermons, endanger Christianity, and end free speech – yet the bill expressly protects speech and only applies to physical violence.

We can't let lawmakers be intimidated or misled by this despicable propaganda. We will lose votes unless YOU make sure Congress understands the truth about this bill.

In Fairness,
Your KFA Team!

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Representative Ben Chandler (if you live in Congressional District 6)
Representative Brett Guthrie (if you live in Congressional District 2)
Representative Ed Whitfield (if you live in Congressional District 1)
Representative Geoff Davis (if you live in Congressional District 4)
Representative Hal Rogers (if you live in Congressional District 5)
Representative John Yarmuth (if you live in Congressional District 3)
Senator Jim Bunning (if you live in Kentucky)
Senator Mitch McConnell (if you live in Kentucky)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Be Proactive in Stopping Hate Crimes!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

As your constituent, I am writing to express my strong support for the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Protection Act. I hope you'll do everything in your power to pass it.

It's long past time that we expand federal hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. And we must give local law enforcement officials the resources needed to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

Please support this important law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
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What's At Stake:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people often fear for their lives and safety. One in six hate crimes are 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 and has a real shot of becoming the law of the land.

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 Congress today. Tell them we need the Matthew Shepard Act to help ensure safety and security for ALL people.


Campaign Expiration Date:
July 30, 2009