Matthew Shepard's parents, Judy and Dennis, are elated to hear the Senate passed hate crime legislation. The couple released this joint statement:
Today’s Senate vote sends a bold and unmistakable message that violent crimes committed in the name of hate must end. The Matthew Shepard Act is an essential step to erasing hate in America and we are humbled that it bears our son’s name. It has been almost nine years since Matthew was taken from us. This bill is a fitting tribute to his memory and to all of those who have lost their lives to hate.
Mrs. Shepard went on to say she expects the White House to join the side of equality: "Today we join with millions of Americans to encourage the White House to follow Congress and ensure that the Matthew Shepard Act becomes law."
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Congrats to all of the groups and individuals who have worked for years on this and to Judy and Dennis Shepard whose tireless ability to turn their loss and grief into hope and activism never ceases to amaze me.
Downside? The ink is barely dry on the "Take All the Credit/Give Us More Money" letters from HRC showing up in a mailbox near you soon.