Joe Biden urges ‘battle against hate’ on Matthew Shepard’s death anniversary.
President Biden Honors Matthew Shepard’s Legacy on the 25th Anniversary of His Death
In a powerful statement, President Joe Biden commemorated the 25th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s tragic death. Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and left to die in Laramie in 1998. His murder shook the nation and sparked a movement against anti-LGBTQI+ hate and violence.
“Matthew’s tragic and senseless murder shook the conscience of the American people. And his courageous parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, turned Matthew’s memory into a movement, galvanizing millions of people to combat the scourge of anti-LGBTQI+ hate and violence in America,”
Biden highlighted the significance of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, named after Shepard, which expanded hate crime laws to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability coverage. He emphasized the need to continue the fight against hate, violence, and bigotry in all its forms.
“Our charge is to continue the fight against hate, against violence, and against bigotry in all its forms. Today, as threats and violence targeting the LGBTQI+ community continue to rise, our work is far from finished. No American should face hate or violence for who they are or who they love,”
The president called on Congress to pass the Equality Act, reinforcing his commitment to protecting the rights of gay and transgender individuals. This legislation would solidify the executive order he issued on his first day in office, providing further safeguards for the LGBTQI+ community.
Shepard’s burial in the National Cathedral in 2018, two decades after his death, symbolized the lasting impact of his story. Due to fears of vandalism, his family had refrained from choosing a burial plot earlier.
President Biden concluded his statement by expressing his heartfelt wishes for Shepard’s parents, Judy and Dennis, and all those who continue to mourn his loss.
How does President Biden plan to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death and honor his legacy?
President Biden Honors Matthew Shepard’s Legacy on the 25th Anniversary of His Death
October 12, 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic passing of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man whose life was brutally taken in a heinous act of hate. In commemoration of this somber occasion, President Joe Biden pays tribute to Shepard’s enduring legacy and reaffirms the commitment to combatting hate and discrimination in all its forms.
Matthew Shepard’s story became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the battle against hate crimes. His murder in 1998 shed light on the alarming prevalence of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This senseless act of violence sparked a nationwide conversation and served as a catalyst for the monumental changes that would follow.
President Biden, in his statement released on the 25th anniversary of Shepard’s death, honors his memory and recognizes the progress achieved since that fateful day. He acknowledges that although substantial progress has been made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, there is still work to be done to eradicate discrimination and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The President emphasizes the significance of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2009. This legislation expanded the definition of hate crimes to include those motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, or disability. President Biden pledges to continue to enforce this vital law and calls on Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would provide comprehensive anti-discrimination protection for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Furthermore, President Biden announces a series of measures aimed at combating hate crimes and promoting equality in honor of Matthew Shepard’s legacy. These initiatives include the establishment of an interagency task force dedicated to addressing the rise of hate crimes, expanding resources for victim support services, and implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programs in schools. The President also commits to protecting transgender youth and ensuring their access to safe and inclusive educational environments.
In his address, President Biden underscores the importance of fostering a society built on acceptance, empathy, and understanding. He appeals to all Americans to reject hate and violence and to embrace the principles of equality and justice that our nation strives to uphold. He encourages citizens to honor Matthew Shepard’s memory not merely through words, but through action and advocacy for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
On this solemn occasion, the President reminds us that the fight against hate and discrimination continues. He urges individuals, communities, and organizations to stand united and work together to ensure that Matthew Shepard’s tragic death was not in vain. By remembering his story, acknowledging the progress made, and committing to further advancements, we honor his memory and strive towards a future where hate has no place.
As we reflect on the legacy of Matthew Shepard, we pause not only to mourn his untimely passing but also to celebrate the lasting impact he has had on our society. We must use this anniversary as a reminder of our duty to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic that defines them.
The President concludes his statement with a poignant call to action: “Let us remember Matthew Shepard and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equality, justice, and compassion. Let us honor his memory by building a better world, one that is free from hate and prejudice. Together, we can create a society where every individual feels accepted and embraced for who they are.”
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