Watch here to hear President Obama talk about signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This law adds sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and disability to the protected categories covered by hate crimes legislation. This allows the federal government to get involved when necessary to assist local law enforcement with hate crimes investigation and prosecution. It saddens me that it has taken so long, but at least we have it now, thanks to the tireless advocacy of people like Judy Shepard and countless other advocates for the protection of all people from crimes motivated by hatred and bias.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that a comprehensive ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) will be soon to follow!
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