Columbus, OH – Today the United States Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act by a final vote of 60-39. This measure would expand existing law to include hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. Both Senator George Voinovich (R) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D) of Ohio voted yes on the measure. Contact: Bo Shuff,
Director of Education and Public Policy
614-325-8855 or bo@equalityohio.org
“Equality Ohio is thrilled that this piece of legislation has taken an historic step forward,” said Bo Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy for Equality Ohio. “Our two senators, are united in their belief that all Americans deserve protection from crimes of hate and have taken a brave stand to do what is right. We know that as Ohio goes, so goes the nation, and we hope that President Bush will recognize the broad support for this bill and sign it into law.”
The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 provides federal funding and support to local law enforcement agencies who are investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. In addition, it removes the restrictions that previously made this funding available only to people engaged in a federally protected activity such as voting or going to school. The legislation is supported by twenty-six state attorneys general as well as 230 law enforcement, civil rights, civic and religious organizations.
“Keeping more Americans safe has brought together the broad coalition of support that made passage of this legislation possible.” said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “The Human Rights Campaign in particular is to be commended for the work they have done for the last ten years to get this bill to where it is today.”
Ohioans agree with the idea of keeping all Americans safe from fear and intimidation. In a survey conducted in November of 2006 by the Glengarrif Group, Ohio voters overwhelming supported hate crimes legislation. Sixty-one percent of Ohioans support a law that would classify crimes against people based on sexual orientation or real or perceived gender identity and expression as a hate crime.
Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home. On the web at www.equalityohio.org.
