Historic LGBTQ Legislation
Eleven years and ten days after Matthew Shepard was murdered, the hate crimes bill bearing his name is on its way to President Obama to sign into law. He is fully expected to sign it next week.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act will make crimes committed because of a person’s perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity a federal hate crime. The FBI will now be required to include transgender hate crimes in its statistics. Federal funds can be used to investigate and prosecute LGBTQ hate crimes, and federal law enforcement will have greater leeway to investigate hate crimes should local law enforcement choose to not get involved.
This is historic legislation, a major “win” for the LGBTQ community, and for all Americans.
Celebrate, but know that this is only a first step towards equality.