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Family of Matthew Shepard reacts to Hate Crimes Prevention Act

WASHINGTON (WKOW) -- President Barack Obama signed into law Wednesday legislation that strengthens federal hate crime laws to include violence based on gender or sexual orientation.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was named after two victims of such crimes and allows federal authorities to pursue charges in violent crimes motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability.

Wednesday, Shepard's mother, who also serves as president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors, released a statement in support of the legislation:

“When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian and transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long.

“The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged. But with President Obama’s support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly,” Shepard added. “But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.”