Press Release

Obama signs historic hate crimes bill

Wed, Oct 28th 2009, 13:36

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Denis Dison (202) 842-7308, denis.dison@victoryfund.org

Today, President Barack Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, adding the categories of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability to existing protections for bias crimes based on race, color, religion, and national origin.  The signing of the bill represents a culmination of tireless efforts by out and allied legislators, multiple LGBT organizations, as well as countless LGBT activists.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, issued a statement in celebration of President Obama’s signing of the historic Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act:
 
"It's thrilling to watch the president sign federal legislation that acknowledges the human dignity of LGBT Americans.  There is much work left to be done, and we will not rest until it is, but today is a day to celebrate."
 
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to growing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government.  Today, 445 out officials are serving in elective office across the United States, up from just 49 when the Victory Fund was founded in 1991.  To learn more, visit www.victoryfund.org.