matthew-shepard

It’s taking every ounce of self-control I have to write this article with a level head.

Yesterday, during the House of Representatives debates regarding the expansion of hate crimes, Representative Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, called the Matthew Shepard hate-crime a “hoax”:

“I also would like to point out that there was a bill — the hate crimes bill that’s called the Matthew Shepard bill is named after a very unfortunate incident that happened where a young man was killed, but we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn’t because he was gay. This — the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it’s really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills,”

Words cannot describe the fury that these words instill in me. For anyone- let alone a congress member- to try and play off Matthew Shepard’s murder as anything BUT a hate crime is absolutely preposterous, insulting and wrong. Unfortunately, this is a common theme amongst right-wing opinions and blogs- but for a congresswoman to give voice and support to that opinion is truly despicable.

Even more unfortunate, Judy Shepard was actually sitting in the gallery when Foxx made this statement. Judy has been a hate crimes law advocate for the last 10 years and was in DC to witness the passing of a new expanded hate crimes bill, by nearly a 75% margin- despite Foxx’s comments. The bill now travels to the Senate for approval. I encourage you all to contact your Senator and show your support.

Here is a clip from the Rachel Maddow show which reminds us of Matthew’s story, addresses Judy’s actions to get more hate-crime legislation, shows Foxx actually making her statement and then an interview with Judy about it:

Thank God for people like Keith Olbermann! Keith addresses Foxx’s awful, bigoted and incorrect statement by awarding Foxx his “Worst Person in the World” classification. Not only did she cross the line in saying it was a hoax, but then issued a standardized apology saying that “hoax” was a poor choice of words and that she apologizes “IF” the Shepard family was offended. Olbermann calls her out beautifully saying that the apology is not contingent on an “if” and that she should either apologize sincerely or resign, taking her myopic view of the world with her. Check it out:

It’s so sad that we continue to have to experience things like this in the gay community- but the outpouring of support that has come from it is heartening… and despite this heinous occurrence, we’re making progress! Again, for all those who live in the US, I urge you all to contact your state senator and voice your support for the expanded hate crimes bill!

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