Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Matthew Shepard Bill Passes House Now Moves to Senate

The Local Law Enforcement Protection Act H.R. 1913 (Matthew Shepard Bill) has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 249-175. The bill expands the federal hate crimes statute to include actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

The bill will now move on to the senate, please contact your senators and urge them to vote for passage of the bill.

8 comments:

Heath Buckmaster said...

What a happy day!!!!

Finally on the right path, after so many years. I've heard his mom speak and she's quite wonderful and passionate.

Anonymous said...

Why did it take so long between this man's death and now to implement the protections that everyone should be given? I find it incredible that we're in the 21st century and still hurting people because they're 'different'. What a messed-up world we inhabit.

T. R Xands said...

Anon 5:42,

That's pretty much the world in a nutshell. Let's not forget there are still places where you could get killed for being lesbian/gay/trans. As in legally. At least in the states we tap you on the wrist about it.

But this is good news to hear, especially after "Matthew Shepard wasn't killed because he was gay!" from the North Carolina rep. Like...really?

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good post

Kenneth Daugherty said...

"No Gays for a Day" is on December 10th. It is supposed to be a day when corporations and businesses are void of homosexuals. I have an alternative to this "No Gays for a Day," celebration. It should be a day of reflection, a day when there were no gays for a day, when "the men of Sodom where exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord," so God "destoyed the cities of the plain" (Sodom and Gomorrah) in order to wipe out a scourge that plagued an entire region. (Genesis 13: 13 and 19: 29) This will be repeated one day, but on a global scale. History will be repeated. There is grace and mercy to be found but time is running out. Turn from your wicked ways and look to the Saviour, Jesus Christ, to heal you and make you clean. Believe in the "report." (Isaiah 53: 1) Believe that Jesus "was wounded for our transgressions... bruised for our iniquities" and the "chastisement for our peace was upon Him," and that by "His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53: 5) Believe in the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1: 29)

Queers United said...

You want me to believe in a lamb? lol.

Kenneth M. Daugherty said...

He is the Lamb - the sacrificial Lamb - who took your sin, my sin, and the world's sin upon the cross so you can have peace in Him and eternal life with Him.

Queers United said...

So if he died for my sins, I am sin free. Jesus loves gays, and it is the homophobes who are sinners.

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