Background Information
50 Under 30This 2006 report from the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GPAC) highlights a wave of under-reported violence against gender non-conforming youth, analyses contributing factors and makes suggestions for prevention and education.
Matthew Shepard
The current legislation addressing hate crimes honors the memory of Matthew Shepard, who was killed near Laramie, Wyoming in an anti-gay hate crime. An "optimistic and accepting young man," Matthew was brutally attacked and killed by two men who targeted him for being gay. The attackers were not charged with a hate crime, as Wyoming and Federal law do not consider crimes motivated by sexual orientation to be "hate crimes". While the attackers were tried and convicted of the murder, the Albany County Sheriff's department was forced to furlough five investigators due to the high cost of the investigation. The legislation would expand current federal law to cover crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. At the suggestion of Matthew's mother, Judy Shepard, the legislation bears his name. Read more about Matthew's life and story.
Advocacy Letter from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (PDF)
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) would grant agencies the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victim’s actual or perceived disability. This letter from national organizations discusses violence based on disability, supports the LLEHCPA, and discusses its potential impact.
Advocacy Letter from Women's Advocacy Organizations (PDF)
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) would add "gender" to the list of protected classes under Federal hate crimes law. This advocacy letter supporting the LLEHCPA outlines the problem of gender-based violence, explains the circumstances in which the LLEHCPA would apply, and discusses its impact on women.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
