The 111th session of Congress will again see an effort to pass federal hate crimes legislation that is inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.  It has been ten years since the murder of Matthew Shepard - killed in Wyoming because he was openly gay.  Hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have been killed since then, simply on the basis of their orientation and identity.

Ten years is long enough.  Congress should pass expanded hate crimes laws that include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.  The Obama administration should also follow through with its campaign pledge to sign such protections into law.

As your constituent, I urge to vote for expanded federal hate crimes laws.  Any act of violence committed against someone simply on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity is one act of violence too many.  Please support an expansion in federal hate crimes laws.