WASHINGTON, DC - Following Senate passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement:
“The Senate today took a major step to give prosecutors and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent and prosecute crimes motivated by hatred and bigotry. I was proud to have voted for and cosponsored the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
“I had the opportunity in September 2005 to meet Matthew Shepard's mother, Judy Shepard. She, obviously, will probably never fully recover from the loss of her son. I think we have to consider who speaks for that mother and the families of other victims of hate crimes.
“The Senate today spoke with a loud and bipartisan voice to stand up for those who are victimized because of hatred and bigotry.”
