A Call to Support the Matthew Shepard Act
June 6, 2007
Dear Friends:On April 17th I joined two hundred religious leaders in Washington DC to support equal protection for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender (BGLT) persons and person with disabilities from violent hate crimes. On that day, we urged our members of Congress to pass the much-needed Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It was moving to see the inspired presence, strong leadership and prophetic witness brought by my fellow clergy, including seventeen other Unitarian Universalists. I am confident that our religious voices helped move the House of Representatives to pass the bill two weeks later.
The Matthew Shepard Act would give authority to the federal government to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against victims targeted for their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Currently the federal government has this authority in crimes committed because of a victim's race, color, religion or national origin.
The Matthew Shepard Act would make a profound difference in the lives of many Americans, but to become law, the bill must next pass the Senate. To help make this happen, I have signed a letter from religious leaders urging our Senators to approve the bill soon. I invite my colleagues to join me by adding your name to the letter. Concerned lay persons are encouraged to take action by sending a letter to the Senate to express your support.
Together we will witness for our conviction that every person has inherent worth and dignity, and that every person, regardless of ability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, deserves equal protection under the law.
In Faith,
William G. Sinkford
For more information contact info @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Thursday, June 3, 2010.
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