Hate Crimes Misinformation

On Monday, the Dallas Morning News published an incredibly ignorant letter about the new hate crimes laws. You can read it here. The author complained about "the lone white male" being the only remaining "unprotected species." Naturally, he threw in a comment about "thought crimes" for good measure. The Morning News has published my letter in reply. You can read it here.

President Signs Hate Crimes Bill

President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill into law today in a ceremony attended by Shepard's parents. The LGBT inclusive law marks the first federal civil rights law that includes us. I know there has been a great deal of criticism of the President for not moving fast enought on DOMA and DA/DT and I agree, but it's appropriate to pause today and celebrate a historic moment. It's a great day for America.

You can read Judy Shepard's statement here.

Senate Passses Hate Crimes Bill

The Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act today, adding GLBT people to those already covered in existing hate crimes law. This is the first federal civil rights legislation to include gay people ever. It was attached to a DOD appropriations bill and it passed 68-29. It now goes to the President for signature.