Take Action- Fight Hate Crimes

In 2007, Ryan Skipper was murdered in a brutal anti-LGBT attack in Florida. Watch the video appeal his family made about Federal hate crimes laws and contact your Senators TODAY!

Today, the Matthew Shepard Act, also called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act, was passed in the Senate judiciary Committee by a vote of XX to XX.

When passed, the bill will provide the first ever Federal protections for LGBT Americans. The bill would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability to existing federal hate crimes law.

On April 29^th, the Matthew Shepard Act (H.R. 1913), also called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act, was passed by the House of Representatives (249-175). Thanks to your calls and e-mails, a majority of the Florida Congressional delegation supported the bill.

Now it is the Senate’s turn.

If passed, the bill would create the first federal protections for LGBT Americans. The bill would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability to existing federal hate crimes law.

Our opponents working to make sure this very good bill does not pass. Don't let them be the only voices heard! Take action today and make sure that the LGBT community is protected and has the resources to seek justice when victimized by hate crimes.

Your Senators will vote on this critical legislation this SOON.

Tell me more

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 909).

The bill before Congress would empower the Department of Justice to investigate anti-LGBT hate crimes and provide resources to local law enforcement to do the same.

This bill represents the opportunity to secure important federal protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from vicious attacks.  As you know, the LGBT community is targeted with hate crimes at a much higher rate than most other minority groups.

Hate crimes against LGBT people are on the rise, up 6 percent in the last year. And these crimes are often unspeakably brutal and horrific - recent months' crimes have included a gang rape and a fatal beating.

The opponents of the bill are throwing up a smokescreen, claiming it will stifle free speech and undermine organized religion. You must reject these false, misleading arguments and stand up for civil rights. Vote for the Matthew Shepard Act.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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