Oklahomans for Equality considers October 28, 2009 to be a defining moment in this decade for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. We acknowledge our deep appreciation for the vigilant advocacy of the parents and families of hate crime victims who for twenty years have now successfully persuaded our law makers to enhance the punishment of hate bias motivated crime.
We are grateful for congressional legislators and President Barack Obama who have supported and now signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Today marks the beginning of LGBT Americans realizing a change in our nation’s leaders and our fellow citizens as they acknowledge the violence directed at our marginalized community and have now provided an opportunity to seek justice.
Hurray for the Federal Government finally acknowledging GLBT persons as victims of hate crimes