As we look forward to President Obama’s signing a strong hate crimes bill into law today, I wanted to share a video tribute produced for HRC’s National Dinner this year honoring the tireless work of Dennis and Judy Shepard with the Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award. The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is named for their son who lost his life in an anti-gay hate crime as well as James Byrd, Jr. who was killed in Texas the same year because of his race. The work of families like the Shepards and Byrds — and the thousands of others who have suffered because of hate violence — is what has brought us to this historic moment today. You can also send them a note of thanks at www.LoveConquersHate.org.
The Human Rights Campaign's perspective on the news, issues and events affecting the every day lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country.
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