Senate Files Hate Crimes Bill For Potential Vote Today

[JackBeck]

‘Matthew Shepard Act’ Submitted as Amendment to Defense Reauthorization; More Than 1,300 Clergy Sign on to Letter of Support

WASHINGTON — Today, Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., filed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act(S. 1105) as an amendment for consideration to the Department of Defense reauthorization currently being debated before the U.S. Senate. The bill, commonly referred to as the “hate crimes bill,” could receive a Senate vote as early as today. The virtually identical House version of the bill passed overwhelmingly on May 3, 2007, with a bipartisan vote of 237 to 180 — with more than 20 Republicans voting in support of the bill.

“Without any further delay, it’s time for Congress to provide local police and sheriffs’ departments with the tools and resources they need to ensure that entire communities are not terrorized by hate violence,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “On behalf of the overwhelming majority of the American people, we stand today and urge the U.S. Senate to pass the Matthew Shepard Act and send a strong message that hate violence against any American will no longer be tolerated.”

“The Matthew Shepard Act sends a strong message to America that hate and the violent crimes committed in its wake are not acceptable in our society. This crucial piece of legislation is an important step in the ongoing effort to erase hate. I cannot think of a single more resounding action for the Senate to take in our son Matthew’s memory,” said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=37380&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

Let's hope this passes with a veto-proof majority. Bush has threatened to veto.

[terrya]

1. I've called my Senators

I think there could very well be a veto proof majority. There's bipartisan support for this important piece of legislation.

Thanks for posting about this.

[JackBeck]

2. This needs to finally pass.

It's long overdue.

I called mine, as well. :thumbsup:

[JackBeck]

3. Can anyone find an update?

Not heard a peep.