This post comes from the heart today, not from the strategic side of my brain.
It has been more than 10 years since Matthew Shepard was lured from a gay bar in Laramie, Wyoming with the promise of a ride home. As all of us know, he never returned. The degree to which he was beaten, the level of violence was clear for all to see, it was a hate crime. In spite of the facts, Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, did everything in her power to twist and malign the truth by standing on the floor of the House of Representatives to say that Matthew's death was the result of a botched robbery. Her level of ignorance and homophobia was absolutely stunning.
After ten long years of education, public speaking, and an unwavering dedication to the cause of equality for all, Judy Shepard was able to see the passage of the hate crime bill known as the Matthew Shepard Act pass the house by a vote of 249 to 175. Next stop, the Senate.
Judy's dedication to our community is an example that we should all follow, every single one of us. Involvement of every lgbt adult and our straight allies will be needed in the months and years ahead.
Judy, thank you so much for all of your hard work.
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