For the first time in history a President of the United States signs into law a bill that stands up for the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered persons.
Today, October 28th, 2099, President Barack Obama signs into law the Hate Crimes bill, aka, the Matthew Shepard Act. Since the bill was dubbed the The Matthew Shepard Act it has taken on many different revisions nearly losing it’s common name as it has been introduced in many other bills in an effort to pass the Senate and Congress to ultimately reach the President’s desk especially during the Bush years.
Because he was gay, Matthew Shepard (pictured above) died in 1998 after being robbed, beaten and dragged to a remote location where he was left affixed to a fence to peril in his own blood, fear and angst for 18 hours. When he was found, Matthew was first mistaken for a scarecrow. He remained alive but had succumbed to a comatose state. A few days later never to come out of the coma, Shepard died in the hospital from injuries to his head that caused his vitals to function improperly. The injuries were so impacting that surgery was not an option. Shepard’s mother who has fought long and hard for the hate crimes legislation was invited to the White House today to be present for the signing (see the second video below).
The bill was included with the 2010 National Defense Authorization Bill signed by Barack Obama. President Obama promised to support the LGBT community during his election campaign and again at a recent dinner where he spoke at the HRC just one day before an equality march on Washington was to take place. Today the President carried out on that promise in a big way – Thank you, Obama!
Remaining legislation to be passed and ultimately be signed into law include the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of Don’t ask Don’t Tell and. that he would sign the bill. He delivered on that promise today.
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I think this is a great day to remember as being our First Federal Law. We still have a long ways to go !! Lets stay united and keep fighting!!!