Important Hate Crimes Legislation Signed into Law
The United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) celebrates the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. More than a decade since it was first introduced, President Obama today signed the act into law. The bill passed the Senate on October 22nd with a bipartisan 68-29 vote and the House on October 8, by a vote of 281-146.
Tragically, each year, thousands of Americans become victims of violent crimes because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevent Act will deter these crimes by directing important federal resources to help local law enforcement fight violent hate crimes, and authorizing federal law enforcement to step in when local officials do not. This important legislation ensures public safety and equal protection under the law from hate crimes.
In addition to greater enforcement and protection from hate crimes, this legislation protects free speech and religious liberty. Support for this legislation has come from across the political and theological spectrum because all people deserve to have equal protection.
The United Methodist Church condemns acts of violence committed against individuals of difference races, ethnicities, and sexual orientation. We urge all people to be proactive in resisting hate and bigotry by creating an atmosphere of love and tolerance. This legislation will help provide the necessary protections for all to live safely in our diverse society.
We celebrate passage of this legislation with millions of Americans who believe that we are all created equal in the image of God, and with the rest of the civil rights community who have worked so hard for its passage.
For more information, contact Bill Mefford , director of civil and human rights, General Board of Church & Society, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002, (202) 488-5657.
1 comment:
I am disappointed that an official site of the UMC chooses to endorse the so-called "hate crime" law. This is designed simply to push forward the homosexual agenda. No such law would be needed if the laws of the land were eforced equally for every crime. Strange that Matthew Shepard (name used in the bill) was murdered by homosexuals. But that fact is ignored, so that it appears he was murdered because he was "gay." As for James Byrd Jr., that, too, was a tragic and brutal murder - but why not let it be prosecuted as murder? Shy try to make it a hate crime. We are pushing the homosexual agenda, and sooner or later, ministers will not be allowed to preach the truth of God's Word (such as Romans 2). What a shame.
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