Public Policy & Legislation
Success! The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009.
The law classifies as a federal "hate crime" any violent crime based on the actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation of the victim. It also provides local law enforcement officials with important resources to investigate and prosecute these crimes while protecting constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech and religion.
Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to pass this law!
For more information contact la_bglt @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.
