Press Release

Victory applauds historic hate crimes vote

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe issued the following statement today in response to the passage of The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which adds sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal hate crimes laws:

“Our community has long sought this tool to help protect vulnerable Americans from hate-fueled violent attacks.  I’m proud that the openly gay and lesbian members of Congress were there to add their voices to the debate and to speak authentically about the experience of gay and transgender Americans.  I congratulate Judy and Dennis Shepard, who have lobbied so long and so hard for this law, and I thank our colleagues at the Human Rights Campaign and all who contributed to this tremendous victory."