Judy Shepard appeared on The Early Show this morning to discuss her gay son, Matthew, who was beaten and left for dead ten years ago today.

[via Towleroad]

It's not often that you see Republicans using gay rights as the positive foundation for a campaign commercial, but Oregonian Senator Gordon Smith is not your regular Republican.

The politico this weekend released an advert highlighting his support for gay-inclusive federal hate crime laws, measures Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy also supported.

Judy Shepard, whose son Matthew was murdered a decade ago, an event Smith's commercial invokes, praised the ad, saying: "I support Gordon. He’s been with us on everything except the gay marriage vote. He has shown tremendous leadership and compassion for all of our legislation. To lose that would be terrible."

Gay group Basic Rights Oregon, which has previously endorsed Smith, came out against the ad, and specifically took on the Senator's opposition to gay marriage. "…Gordon Smith was a poster child for 2004’s Measure 36, a (state) constitutional amendment that made gay Oregonians second-class citizens under the law by denying committed couples the security and dignity of marriage," said Basic Rights' executive director, Jeana Frazzini.

The Log Cabin Republicans are backing Smith's reelection.

Judy Shepard is basically the hardest working gay rights activist in the universe. The Wyoming-based mama has been campaigning nearly non-stop for a decade, since her son Matthew was beaten and left for dead.

Sure, fighting for inclusive hate crimes law's ain't easy, but Shepard says it's worth it.

"I'm just somebody's mom who got really angry at the system and felt I had the opportunity to make a change," Shepard said.
…
Her stump speech brings Matthew to life — his strong opinions, passion for politics, generous nature, short temper. It's also peppered with references to hope and barbs at the Bush administration.

The work is exhausting, but it has kept her family from becoming victims, she said in an interview afterward.

"In my own mind, speaking like I did today, that is my grief process," Shepard said. "I get to keep Matthew with me."

Another thing she'll keep with her - a distaste for his killers. There's no forgiving and forgetting here: "It's not a part of my process… I don't blame them 100 percent. I sort of blame society for creating the environment to make them think they could get away with it." Wag that finger, mama!

Judy Shepard ain't shutting up about the House's decision to ditch hate crimes legislation. Nor should she.

CONTINUED »

Judy and Dennis Shepard are "dismayed" over The House's decision to cut hate crime legislation from the defense authorization bill:

We are truly dismayed to find that Congress now will put aside its leadership on passage of federal hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

At this time of year that fills us all with hope for humankind, we are sad to find that a Congressional majority of each House who have already adopted the Matthew Shepard Act cannot yet come together.

If not here, where? If not now, when?

Make no mistake; this is a small triumph of process over principle. We are dedicated to redoubling our efforts next year to achieve our vision of a hate-free America that truly includes everyone. This has never simply been about Matthew Shepard and our family, this legislation is a gift delayed but never forgotten for all America’s families.

We thank our friends, allies and champions in Washington and around the world who have struggled so hard this year. We know that we will unite once again next year to achieve passage of this milestone human rights legislation.

Yeah, but will Congress finally set things straight? We're beginning to lose legislative faith…

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."