That's one law I'd really like to see be passed. So, what's going on? Is it in the House or the Senate? And do you think it will be passed? It's one big step in the right direction, if you ask me. I can't believe that our government wouldn't support this bill.
2007-09-22 03:18:03 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
On March 20, 2007, The Matthew Shepard Act (HR 1592), was introduced as federal bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Congress, sponsored by Democrat John Conyers, with 171 co-sponsors. Matthew's parents, Judy and Dennis, were present at the introduction ceremony. The bill passed the House of Representatives on May 3, 2007. SOn 11 July, 2007, Senator Edward Kennedy introduced the bill (S 1105) in the Senate as an amendment to the Senate Defense Reauthorization bill (HR 1585). The Senate hate crime amendment has 43 cosponsors, including four Republicans. After Republicans staged a filibuster on a troop-withdrawal amendment to the defense bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid delayed the votes on the hate crime amendment and the defense bill until September or October, but commentators believe 63 to 65 Senators will vote for the hate crimes amendment. If the bill, with the hate crime act attached, reaches President Bush's desk, he would then be forced either to sign or veto the entire bill.
I sure hope it passes :)
2007-09-22 07:32:01 · answer #1 · answered by Gecko Missed all his friends 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It passed the House in March 2007. Pending in the Senate.
2007-09-22 03:27:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Election time is gearing up now. The right-wingers have to run on something, and frankly, they don't have much to crow about. So, it's time to trot out the gay-bashing in order to get their base to come out and vote. Conservatives will not vote on anything which shows sympathy to gays, so don't expect any legislation to occur that shows courage and/or humanity until *after* the election next year.
I know that sounds politically cynical, but it's an unfortunate truth.
2007-09-22 03:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by Clint 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It failed to pass , which is not really surprising considering the facts that have come up in the Matthew shepherd case. 1) he was murdered by a part time gay prostitute who mugged him instead of having sex with him, which he had done before,. Therefore the killing of Matthew Shepherd was not a hate crime as originally reported but rather the brutal mugging of one gay man by another gay man.
2007-09-22 09:24:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just "Google" Matthew Shepard Act and you will find everything you want to know. With just a cursory look it appears to be federal legislation.
Or start here:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/DocServer/HRC-LLEHCPA-One-Pager1-23-07.pdf?docID=461
2007-09-22 04:26:54 · answer #5 · answered by Julie M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋