URGENT ACTION NEEDED!!!

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S.909).  But, the victory was tarnished when an unnecessary and poisonous death penalty amendment designed to hamper this landmark legislation was added onto the Senate version of the bill.

We urge Members of Congress to recognize this egregious effort to dismantle the Hate Crimes Prevention Act for what it is, and remove the death penalty amendment from the bill when it goes to conference.

The sponsors of the bill and the more than 300 civil rights, human rights, religious, and law enforcement organizations that support the strengthening of hate crimes legislation - strongly opposed this amendment. 

Take Action:

Please contact your members of congress (House and Senate) to urge them to adopt the House version of the bill (H.R. 1913) which contains no death penalty provisions.

You can reach the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator's or Representative's office.  

To look up your representatives visit:  http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

AFTER YOU CALL, please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to call.

Please also send an e-mail to each of your two Senators and your Representative.

Thank you for your immediate action.