Date: Mon, 19 Jul 99 14:07:42 -0400 From: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Subject: [NGLTF PRESS] Senate Vote Expected on Hate Crimes Prevention Act ************************************************ NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: David Elliot, Communications Director delliot@ngltf.org TEL 202/332-6483 x3303, PAGER 800/757-6476 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ************************************************ SENATE VOTE EXPECTED THIS WEEK ON HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT NGLTF Calls On Congress To Close Loopholes, Expand Categories To Include Sexual Orientation, Gender, Disability Status JULY 19, 1999---The U.S. Senate early this week could vote on a measure that would expand the existing hate crimes statute to cover disability status, gender and sexual orientation and would make it easier for federal authorities to prosecute crimes of violence. Senators are expected to vote on whether to amend an appropriations bill to include the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999. NGLTF Executive Director Kerry Lobel noted that if the amendment is added to the bill, it will mark the first concrete action Congress has taken since the murders of Matthew Shepard, James Byrd Jr. and Billy Jack Gaither. "No one should be a target for bias-motivated violence because of their real or perceived sexual orientation," Lobel said. "Hate crimes should no longer have to be a fact of life for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people." Lobel added that the Hate Crimes Prevention Act offers Congress a real opportunity to address violence. "Our nation strives for fair and equal treatment for everyone," she said. "The Hate Crimes Prevention Act would send a message to both the GLBT community and to would-be perpetrators that anti-GLBT crimes are unacceptable." Earlier this month, Missouri became the 22nd state (plus the District of Columbia) to enact hate crimes legislation that covers sexual orientation. NGLTF tracks GLBT-related legislation in all 50 states. For more information, please consult the 1999 NGLTF Legislative Updates at www.ngltf.org/legupdate99. _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.