Calls for the Resignation of Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina

There have been calls for the resignation of North Carolina representative Virginia Foxx who yesterday during the house of representatives hearing of H.R. 1913 the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act AKA Matthew Shepard Act, called Matthew Shepard's case a "hoax" and a crime not motivated by anti-gay bias but by robbery.

Below a video from Media Matters captures the reps comments, and the facts that the Matthew Shepard case was indeed a hate crime motivated by sexual orientation:


The representative later, said the word "hoax" was likely a poor choice of words, but did not apologize for her comments.

1230 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-207

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Rep. Fox's Twitter.

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.

Tell Congress to pass the Matthew Shepard Act

A law protecting all of our citizens against senseless hate violence is long overdue. Two years ago, radical right-wing groups and George W. Bush's veto threat blocked the Matthew Shepard Act, which would outlaw hate crimes based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. But now the bill is back.



The house is set to vote on the bill TODAY, please contact your representatives now, and urge your friends and family to follow suit.

Love Conquers Hate - Pass Federal Hate Crimes Legislation

The Human Rights Campaign launched a new website today to kick off the campaign to pass federal hate crimes legislation in the 110th Congress. The site, found at www.hrc.org/FightHate, will:

• Provide background information on the legislation, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA).
  

• Feature photos and videos illustrating the devastating impact hate crimes have on individuals and communities.
  

• Answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the bill.
  

• Provide the latest updates on the bill’s progress.
  

• Provide users with the tools to directly contact their members of Congress to urge them to support the legislation.

Goto Fight Hate to send a message to congress and to find more resources.

Demand National Hate Crimes Legislation!

We've just gotten word from our legislative action team that a comprehensive hate crimes bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives. This very same bill has been before Congress many times before, but here's what's different: this time, we have a chance of seeing it become law. Your representatives need to hear from you right now.

Click here to send them a short message urging them to pass comprehensive hate crimes legislation. This is our chance to secure federal protections for the LGBT community from vicious attacks and hate. But there's no guarantee we'll win without your action today. Our opponents also know that we have the votes to get this bill passed and with the Obama administration poised to see it through, they'll be fighting with everything they've got to make sure we lose.

We cannot let that happen. By taking action today, you can help make sure the LGBT community is protected and has the resources to seek justice when victimized by hate crimes. Please, take action now, then urge everyone you know to get in touch with their representatives. Now is our moment and we need your voice.

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Oklahoma Teacher Fired Over Laramie Project Film

Grandfield High School's Debra Taylor the school’s Ethics and Street Law class teacher has been fired over controversy surrounding the showing of gay-themed film The Laramie Project. The movie is about Matthew Shepard's murder and the teacher wanted to facilitate discussion and promote tolerance after initial approval by the schools principal.

After the school principal reneged on his decision and Superintendent Ed Turlington told Ms. Taylor she could no longer show the film due to its subject matter, the teacher held a mock funeral in a nearby park where students could write down their thoughts and release them into balloons to develop a sense of closure on the topic.

The district says she was suspended and then fired by the board for her actions in the park, but others believe it is due to the nature of the play.

Superintendent Ed Turlington can be contacted at:

580-479-5237
eturlington@grandfield.k12.ok.us

Support Alameda H.S. Students on Laramie Project

On Fri, Nov. 14, Alameda High School students will be performing a production of The Laramie Project which was originally going to be picketed by Fred Phelps of the "God Hates Fags" group.

They were trying to get as many people there to show support for the students and hopefully act as a buffer against the kids being further traumatized by that group's despicable tactics.

Apparently the Westboro Baptist Church has canceled their appearance in order to protest in Hawaii instead. Word has it that a candlelight vigil in support of the students will still occur. They are asking people to arrive around 6-6:15 PM. Alameda High is located at 2201 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501.

Demand Comprehensive Hate Crime Legislation

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays has a petition targeting the U.S. senate urging them to pass comprehensive hate crimes legislation. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are on the rise! Only 27 states and the District of Columbia have hate crimes laws inclusive of sexual orientation, and only five of those and the District of Columbia are expressly transgender inclusive.

Sign PFLAG's Petition Over at Care2