The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed the U.S. Senate today by a vote of 60 - 39.
Reactions?
2007-09-27 09:23:52 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Two thousand years ago the priest sent the law to beat up a teacher, named Jesus, and leave him hanging from a peace of lumber at the side of the road, dying of exposure, for teaching love and tolerance, and as a warning to the people.
Two thousand years later a student named Shepard was beaten, and left hanging from a peace of lumber, at the side of the road, dying of exposure, because he was gay, and as a warning to others
The law allowed his killers to "plea-bargain", and the pastor picketed his funeral.
What lesson have we learned in two thousand years, love and tolerance, or the lesson left hanging beside of the road? - Penny Ann
2007-09-27 23:36:13 · update #1
A step in the right direction...
To Kellog and cycle lady: This isnt about making some of us "More equal than others" Its about insuring that our community gets the same level of justice that a straight person would. Its not a waste of time or money to insure that we get equal treatment.. Crimes against the LGBT community often go unpunished, because of the prejudice's that are associated with our community.
2007-09-27 10:26:09 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In another question posed, I found out that it is attached to a defense bill, which sucks. I wish the bill would stand by itself, let the President veto it, and give the Congress a chance to override it. At least we would find out where all of our Senators now stand on this. I hate that it would go into law because it was attached to some other bill, which later on will become part of some debate as to why certain Senators would say that they voted for or against it due to the merits of the defense bill.
2007-09-27 10:11:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I support the 'Matthew Shepard Act' (Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007), so that's a great news.
My thoughts today are with Matthew and his family.
2007-09-27 09:44:51 · answer #3 · answered by Kedar 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Its so sad that Matthew's death had to happen for this bill to intoduced and passed. My first thought with this news was "what the hell were the other 39 thinking"!! Well, at least this is a step in the right direction. Great News!
2007-09-27 15:42:45 · answer #4 · answered by Leah 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well it sounds like we finally have some common sense in the Senate!! Unfortunately the bill (S 1105) was introduced in the Senate as an amendment to the Senate Defense Reauthorization bill. President Bush has indicated he may veto the DoD authorization bill if it reaches his desk with the hate crimes legislation attached. Unfortunately we still have an idiot in the White house. *sigh* I can only be optimistic, but Bush has rarely failed to disappointment me.
2007-09-27 09:35:03 · answer #5 · answered by momaab 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You can pass all the laws you want. Last weekend a sweet popular 16 year old boy here was shot to death just sitting in his car after a dance. We don't need more laws, we need more love.
2007-09-28 07:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just wonder if that is a veto proof majority as Mr. Bush will veto it even though he says all life is important.Mr Jello it is a hate crime if you kill a christian for running around saying the bible says its okay to kill you if your gay.But if a Christian kills you because the bible says its okay to kill you because your gay its not a hate crime.I can't help but think theres something not equal about that.
2007-09-27 15:34:29 · answer #7 · answered by Amy m 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm overjoyed--the government is finally doing something right! However, I have to agree with Longview Cycle Lady. Murder is murder regardless of the motivation.
However, if it gets to Bush's desk...all our happiness will be for nothing. He's much too much of a &^@#*&$^# to do something GOOD for the country.
2007-09-27 12:53:17 · answer #8 · answered by White Knight 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah! The Senate passed it, now we have to get it past that President of ours! He said he would veto it, saying that it wasn't necessary. I disagree with the President. It's necessary! Sign it!!!
2007-09-27 10:47:41 · answer #9 · answered by Pnthr wmn 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-20 04:08:23 · answer #10 · answered by ammon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋