Yesterday, October 22nd, the U.S. Senate passed the Department of Defense Authorization bill, which included the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (aka The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act)! The House of Representatives previously passed the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Now federal hate crimes legislation is on it's way to the President's desk, and President Obama has promised to sign the Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law!

Over the past several months, many of us have sent e-mails and letters to our U.S. Senators and Representatives asking them to support hate crimes legislation- now it's time to send a warm Thank You to the members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation who voted in favor of The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act! There were many voices asking Missouri's Congressional Delegation to vote against the Hate Crimes Prevention. Both Senator McCaskill and Senator Bond and 4 of our 9 U.S. Representatives (Rep. Cleaver, Rep. Skelton, Rep. Carnahan, Rep. Clay) voted to pass the legislation- let's make sure they hear our voices thanking them for their historic vote!

Yours in Equality,
A.J. Bockelman
Executive Director
PROMO

P.S. Remember - You can increase the impact of your Thank You by sending a hand written note to the district office of your Senators and Representative. Find names and district office addresses by visiting the Take Action webpage!

Subject: THANK YOU for your Hate Crimes vote!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Yesterday, October 22nd, the Senate voted to pass the Department of Defense Authorization bill, previously passed by the House, which includes the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (a.k.a The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act). It is now on its way to the President for his signature.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your historic vote in favor of the Department of Defense Authorization bill and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This is the first time protections have been extended on the Federal level or the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community. I know there were many voices asking you to vote against this bill. Please know that your vote and your support is appreciated!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]