Howard Dean Speaks on The Hate Crimes Act
 We all remember the tragic story of Matthew Shepard. In 1998, the 21-year gay old college student was tied to a fence and brutally beaten to death in Wyoming. His story received national attention and inspired a movement for hate crimes legislation based on sexual orientation. Nearly a decade later, one in six reported hate crimes is related to sexual orientation -- but the president still won't sign the revised hate crimes bill. Tell President Bush: Matthew Shepard wasn't the only hate crime victim. Thousands of people have their own stories of discrimination. Share your story: According to a new Gallup poll, 68 percent of Americans favor expanding our current hate crimes legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity-based crimes. But the poll goes even further, reporting that 60% of "Republicans," 57% of "Conservatives" and 64% of those who attend church regularly support the revised hate crimes bill. That means that by threatening to veto the Matthew Shepard Act, President Bush isn't just ignoring Democrats or the LGBT community -- he's ignoring everyone. Once again, President Bush is out of step with the American people. Now we have to show him just who he's up against. How will the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act impact you and your loved ones? Tell us now: President Bush wants to veto the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He claims we just don't need it. Our question to him is the same one Rep. Keith Ellison asked on the floor of the House during debate of the bill: "Why do you want to protect thugs and hate mongers? Why don't you want to stand with the civilized community and say hate is wrong and we must stop it now?" Your story, and the story of Matthew Shepard, proves that we need this legislation now. Make your voice heard: Sincerely, Gov. Howard Dean, M.D. P.S. - I wanted to let you know about the 2007 DNC Unity Summit. Hosted by the DNC's African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, GLBT, Hispanic, and Women's Caucuses, this gathering will bring together our party's leaders to put us on the right track for the upcoming election cycle. The summit is scheduled for August 23 - 25, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada -- we'll be sending you a follow up e-mail on registration and hotel information when registration opens on June 1, 2007.  | ||||
 | ||||
| ||||
Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. DNC, 430 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington DC 20003 | ||||
