WASHINGTON, DC- Following final passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement:
“I am pleased that after years of obstruction, the hate crimes provision is on its way to President Obama’s desk for signature. It will give prosecutors and law enforcement the tools they need to investigate, prevent and prosecute crimes motivated by hatred and bigotry.
“I had the opportunity in September 2005 to meet Matthew Shepard's mother, Judy Shepard. She will 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.”
In addition to strengthening the enforcement and prosecution of hate crimes based on race, ethnicity, national origin and religion, the legislation would expand the definition of hate crimes to cover crimes motivated by gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability.
Senator Casey was a cosponsor of the bill on which the amendment was based. Both the Senate and House have passed the full Defense Authorization bill. Senator Casey also voted for and cosponsored the hate crimes legislation when it passed the Senate as an amendment in 2007, however that provision was later stripped from the bill in the Senate-House conference committee.
###
