Pelosi Urges Action on Hate Crimes Prevention Law on Seventh Anniversary of Matthew Shepard's Death

Pelosi Urges Action on Hate Crimes Prevention Law on Seventh Anniversary of Matthew Shepard's Death

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the need to pass a federal hate crimes prevention law:

"As we mark the seventh anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder from a brutal hate crime, we must renew our efforts to enact a federal hate crimes prevention law.

"The need for action is as compelling today as it was seven years ago. Hate crimes have no place in America. All Americans have a fundamental right to feel safe in their communities - regardless of their race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, gender, or disability.

"Federal hate crimes prevention legislation would be a fitting memorial for Matthew Shepard and for so many others who have died because of ignorance and intolerance. Last month, the House of Representatives voted 223 to 199 in passing a hate crimes prevention measure - the first time that hate crimes prevention legislation had a substantive vote in the House. I urge the Senate to follow the House's lead and pass a federal hate crimes prevention law without delay.

"We must honor Matthew Shepard's memory by recalling this nation's commitment to the ideals of equality and opportunity, which are our hope and our future."

http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/releases/Oct05/hate.html