The American “Family” Association may be against hate crime legislation, but you can bet your bottom dollar Human Rights Campaign’s all about it.
The “largest” LGBT non-profit’s asking you and yours to support the Matthew Shephard Act by signing this letter. It’s really quite painless. Way, way painless than a hate crime, that’s for sure.
We’ve pasted the text of the letter after the jump. Also, we’d like to point out that HRC allows you to edit your letter. The AFA – who fear hate crime legislation will curtail their freedom – don’t allow the freedom of using your own words. Just a note.
As your constituent, and as a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, I am deeply concerned about hate crimes, and I am writing to ask that you continue to represent the interests of your state by supporting the Matthew Shepard Act.
Americans overwhelmingly approve of legislation to prevent hate violence. In fact, more than two thirds (or 68%) support expanding hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity and giving local law enforcement the tools and resources they need to investigate and prosecute these tragic acts of bigotry.
I am confident that you will champion the will of voters in your community and the majority of Americans, and bring our federal hate crime laws into the 21st Century, by ensuring that all of our citizens are protected against senseless hate violence.
While a random act of violence against any individual is always a tragic event, we know that violent crimes based on prejudice are meant to terrorize an entire community.
As Americans, we must defend our neighbors from becoming victims of bias-motivated violence.
Thank you for helping ensure passage of this very important legislation.
