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ADA Updates
As early as Wednesday, July 15, the Senate will vote on the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a bill that would provide significant improvements to our current hate crimes prevention laws. The House of Representatives passed their version of the bill in April. Call Senators toll free at 866-659-9641 on Wednesday, July 15th and urge them to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This bill expands the coverage of existing hate crime laws to include crimes not only based on race, color, religion, and national origin, but also bias-motivated crimes based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. It also provides the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where current law or local law enforcement action are inadequate. This increased protection will help ethnic and racial groups that continue to be subjected to bias-motivated violence and intimidation. Hate crimes cut across every community. Passing this bill will ensure that all people have the right to be safe and free from physical harm and intimidation. The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act sends a clear message that Americans do not have to live in fear. ADAction: Our time is now, contact your Senator on Wednesday, July 15, toll free at 866-659-9641 between 9 a.m. and 5 PM. ET, and urge them to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act. |
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