Oct 28 2009
Shepard Bill signed
President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act into law today…
Those who say they see no difference between Democrats and Republicans or who think that President Obama is governing no differently than Johnny McCain would have need only look at this two minutes and twenty-four seconds of video. This would not have happened in a Republican administration. Not in a million years.
Civil rights leaders praise Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act
Matthew ShepardCHEYENNE-More than 11 years after University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was tortured and left to die on a fence post outside Laramie, President Obama signed legislation Wednesday extending federal hate crime law to cover attacks based on sexual orientation.
Civil rights leaders, including Matthew’s mother Judy Shepard, said the passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act gives long-overdue protection to people attacked because of their sexual orientation.
However, Wyoming’s congressional delegation [Ed.: all Republican; all three of them] have opposed the legislation, saying current state laws already work to punish those who commit violent acts against gays and lesbians.
The legislation gives federal authorities power to pursue charges in violent crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
The bill has been in the works since 1998, when Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student from Casper, was robbed, tortured, and murdered by Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney. Both are currently serving two consecutive life sentences in prison.
Jill Shepard, who watched President Obama sign the legislation Wednesday at the White House, said in a statement that she and her husband Dennis were glad to finally see the bill pass.
“When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian and transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long,” Shepard said in the statement. “We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly.
Jill Shepard added, “But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.”
President Obama’s remarks at a reception held to celebrate the legislation follow the break.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you so much, and welcome to the White House. There are several people here that I want to just make mention of because they helped to make today possible. We’ve got Attorney General Eric Holder. (Applause.) A champion of this legislation, and a great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. (Applause.) My dear friend, senior Senator from the great state of Illinois, Dick Durbin. (Applause.) The outstanding Chairman of Armed Services, Carl Levin. (Applause.) Senator Arlen Specter. (Applause.) Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House, Representative John Conyers. (Applause.) Representative Barney Frank. (Applause.) Representative Tammy Baldwin. (Applause.) Representative Jerry Nadler. (Applause.) Representative Jared Polis. (Applause.) All the members of Congress who are here today, we thank you.
Mr. David Bohnett and Mr. Tom Gregory and the David Bohnett Foundation — they are partners for this reception. Thank you so much, guys, for helping to host this. (Applause.)
And finally, and most importantly, because these were really the spearheads of this effort — Denis, Judy, and Logan Shepard. (Applause.) As well as Betty Byrd Boatner and Louvon Harris — sisters of James Byrd, Jr. (Applause.)
To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible. You know, as a nation we’ve come far on the journey towards a more perfect union. And today, we’ve taken another step forward. This afternoon, I signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. (Applause.)
This is the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade. Time and again, we faced opposition. Time and again, the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we’ve been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation in which we’re all free to live and love as we see fit. But the cause endured and the struggle continued, waged by the family of Matthew Shepard, by the family of James Byrd, by folks who held vigils and led marches, by those who rallied and organized and refused to give up, by the late Senator Ted Kennedy who fought so hard for this legislation — (applause) — and all who toiled for years to reach this day.
You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits — not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights — both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.
In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all.
And that’s why, through this law, we will strengthen the protections against crimes based on the color of your skin, the faith in your heart, or the place of your birth. We will finally add federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. (Applause.) And prosecutors will have new tools to work with states in order to prosecute to the fullest those who would perpetrate such crimes. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability.
At root, this isn’t just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another — whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus. It’s hard for any of us to imagine the mind-set of someone who would kidnap a young man and beat him to within an inch of his life, tie him to a fence, and leave him for dead. It’s hard for any of us to imagine the twisted mentality of those who’d offer a neighbor a ride home, attack him, chain him to the back of a truck, and drag him for miles until he finally died.
But we sense where such cruelty begins: the moment we fail to see in another our common humanity — the very moment when we fail to recognize in a person the same fears and hopes, the same passions and imperfections, the same dreams that we all share.
We have for centuries strived to live up to our founding ideal, of a nation where all are free and equal and able to pursue their own version of happiness. Through conflict and tumult, through the morass of hatred and prejudice, through periods of division and discord we have endured and grown stronger and fairer and freer. And at every turn, we’ve made progress not only by changing laws but by changing hearts, by our willingness to walk in another’s shoes, by our capacity to love and accept even in the face of rage and bigotry. In April of 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, as our nation mourned in grief and shuddered in anger, President Lyndon Johnson signed landmark civil rights legislation. This was the first time we enshrined into law federal protections against crimes motivated by religious or racial hatred — the law on which we build today.
As he signed his name, at a difficult moment for our country, President Johnson said that through this law “the bells of freedom ring out a little louder.” That is the promise of America. Over the sounds of hatred and chaos, over the din of grief and anger, we can still hear those ideals — even when they are faint, even when some would try to drown them out. At our best we seek to make sure those ideals can be heard and felt by Americans everywhere. And that work did not end in 1968. It certainly does not end today. But because of the efforts of the folks in this room — particularly those family members who are standing behind me — we can be proud that that bell rings even louder now and each day grows louder still. So thank you very much. God bless you and God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
16 Responses to “Shepard Bill signed”
About time he did something for the gay community.
@ stunatra:
I don’t differentiate between a gay community and a straight community. I think we’re all one big community. I guess that’s why I believe so strongly in equal rights and equal protection under the law.
From the manner in with you emphasized the word “for” in your comment, it would follow that you believe President Obama (I’m guessing that is who you are referring to as “he”) has done something (or somethings) against this gay community?
As for the “about time” reference, I agree… the guy has been in office for over nine months now. You’d think he’d have everything fixed by now. I mean, it’s not like he’s had anything else to deal with.
Jeez. Was that kid gay, or what? He looks like Ricky Nelson circa The Garden Party.
@ Doctor Faustroll:
I know you’re trying to be funny. You’re not.
I think the two maggots that are in prison for the murder of Mathew Shephard are getting off easy with a life sentence for such an evil and sadistic crime. Their punishment would be much worse if it was up to me. However, I have to disagree with the whole notion behind hate crime legislation. What is a hate crime? Aren’t all murders and most other violent actions motivated by hate regardless of the victims race, religion or sexual orientation? Should someone receive extra punishment if they commit a crime against someone who is of a different sexual orientation, a different ethnicity, or of a different religion? Is it ‘more wrong’ to kill someone who is gay as opposed to killing someone who is straight?
If we truly believe that all people are equal and deserve equal protection under the law, how can we accept different punishments depending on someones race or sexual orientation? Is one person more valuable than another? The only way around this is to say that we are providing an extra punishment for someone’s hateful thoughts. This is a slippery slope because now we are punishing people for their thoughts and motives in addition to the violent act they committed. How do you prove what is going on in someones head? How do you determine a proper punishment for the amount of hate someone has?
I do not agree with hate crime legislation because I believe we are all equal under the law. I do, however, think we should have tougher punishments for violent criminals.
@ Forgotten Liberty:
If indeed we were all equal under the law there would be no need for hate crime legislation. Unfortunately, we are not and there is.
Len, I believed you missed my point. Hate crime legislation makes us less equal under the law because it provides greater punishment in regard to someones race or sexual orientation. If someone was to murder me, a straight male, should they receive less of a punishment then if I was gay. Why should my sexual orientation mean that my life is more or less valuable in the eyes of the law? Is it more wrong to commit a violent crime when the victim is gay?
You said,”I don’t differentiate between a gay community and a straight community. I think we’re all one big community.”
The murder of Matthew Shepard was a crime. It was a crime at the time of his murder. It was just as much a crime as it would have been if he had not been gay. Now that this legislation has passed, it is still a crime. Nothing has changed.
There is a difference between the Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats believe in symbolism over substance. Republicans do not.
@ Forgotten Liberty:
I am sorry you think I missed your point. I don’t think I did. I, too, wish we could live in a perfect society. Your sexual orientation in no way makes you less valuable in the eyes of the law. In fact, in your case, it makes you more valuable. That’s another topic for another time, though.
In the meantime, find me a few reports where somebody was murdered or severely injured because they were straight. I’ll counter with ten times the number of reports where somebody was murdered or severely injured because they happened to be gay… or even perceived to be gay.
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree with you on this one.
@ da Patriot:
You say:
The point is, though I know you will disagree, that the crime would most likely have not occurred had be not been gay.
I am sorry that you cannot see or understand the substance in this legislation. There are, I agree, a great number of differences between Republicans and Democrats. That cute little ditty of yours about “symbolism or substance” is, however, just plain silly. Better luck next time, eh?
len thus is change ..
isn’t it wonderful
An important and long over due bill for sure.
Yes, the person who says we should all be equal, killing is wrong despite the reason is correct. Where they miss the mark is….why the crime happened. They weren’t killed because someone wanted their money, their car, their ipod etc., they were killed because they are different, they were killed because someone hated them.
A very good day at the White House in my opinion.
Sandy
Len, I will explain why I think you are missing my entire point. You said,
“In the meantime, find me a few reports where somebody was murdered or severely injured because they were straight. I’ll counter with ten times the number of reports where somebody was murdered or severely injured because they happened to be gay… or even perceived to be gay.”
Why does it matter why someone was killed? Isn’t a murder a murder? Is it more of a murder if the victim is gay? If someone decides to brutally murder someone why does the victims sexual orientation matter when it comes time for the trail? A brutal murder is a brutal murder and the perpetrator should be given the death penalty whether the victim was gay or not.
I’ll give you two examples. 1–A man kidnaps a woman, then brutally murders her. 2–A man kidnaps a gay man, then brutally murders him. Is one of these crimes worse than the other? Is example two a worse crime because the victim is gay? By providing an additional punishment to the criminal in example 2, you would be putting a higher value on that victim and a lesser value on the woman in example 1. A murder is a murder no matter what the motivation for the killing is.
If you truly don’t believe that we have equality under the law, why do you support something that is blatantly not equal? Do 2 wrongs make a right?
@ Forgotten Liberty:
So you want to carry this on, do you? Okay…
First let me explain that I never said I believe we have equality under the law. I said I believe in equality under the law. Big difference. We are still a long, long way from everybody being equal under the law.
Secondly, I do agree that murder is murder. However, there is (whether you recognize it or not) a motive behind nearly every murder. Hate exists in this country. This law is not going to eradicate the hate. I am not claiming it will do that for one instant. However, if it gives someone just one moment’s hesitation before they pull the trigger or swing the bat, that moment may just be enough to cause them to reconsider. I am 100% in favor of anything that may provide that moment.
And, finally, if you think about it, this law does not single out gay people. It adds sexual orientation to a list that already includes religion, ethnicity, etc. Everybody has sexual orientation, right? Even straight people have sexual orientation.
So, like I said, we’ll agree to disagree on this one. I think that any law that may serve to prevent even one murder is a terrific law. You disagree. So be it.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
“I said I believe in equality under the law.”
If you believe in equality under the law, why are you supporting a law that does not apply equally to everyone and tries to provide special protection to a segment of our society? Why not pass a law that says anyone who commits 1st degree murder gets the death penalty (or life in prison if you are anti death penalty), no questions asked? This would apply equally to everyone and would provide the maximum deterrent possible. Why have different punishments depending on the victim’s sexual orientation, race, or religion or the criminals beliefs and emotions?
“I do agree that murder is murder. However, there is (whether you recognize it or not) a motive behind nearly every murder. Hate exists in this country.”
Yes, every murder has a motive and hate does exist. Are we now outlawing hate and punishing someone more if their motive has anything to do with sexual orientation, race, or religion? Don’t all murderers kill because they hate someone? Hate is an emotion and it’s source is internal. Yes, someone can act on their hate and commit a crime. If so, they should be punished to the fullest extent of the law for the crime they committed. But they should not be punished for their thoughts, beliefs or emotions.
I wish hate didn’t exist, but is it right to outlaw an emotion or belief? I think racism is wrong and it causes people to do evil things, but should we outlaw racist thoughts? Are we going to create a thought police that punishes people for hateful thoughts?
I feel very strongly about this because I believe it actually creates inequality under the guise of making people more equal. If you want to increase equality, instead of passing laws that do not apply equally to everyone, educate people on why hate is wrong. Passing laws to punish people for their beliefs and emotions is a slippery slope and does not promote equality. Laws will not end hate, only education will. You can’t legislate someone into being a moral, loving person.
@ Forgotten Liberty:
I don’t know how to explain my feelings and beliefs on this to you any way other than I have, Forgotten. You’ve obviously got your mind made up. However, if we go your route, then we should do away with all hate laws, including those based on religion, race, nationality, etc., etc.
No. There are multitude of motives for murder and assault. Hate is just one.
That being the case, we have a whole lot of laws that need to be removed from the books. A really, really big whole lot of laws. Rape, burglary, robbery, drunk driving, to name just a few. They all gotta go.
Anyway, you have your opinions. I respect them, though I do not agree with them. I wish you could somehow return the favor.
P.S. Please stop using that “slippery slope” term here. It is nothing more than a code phrase by which wingers identify one another. It really means nothing and has no bearing on this issue. Thanks.
You may have the final word if you wish. From this point forward, I would only be repeating myself.