Lummis Shames Wyoming in Vote Against Matthew Shephard Act

Casper, WY – The Wyoming Democratic Party said today that they are ashamed that Representative Cynthia Lummis voted against the Matthew Shepherd Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. 

“It is extremely disheartening to see that our lone Representative has taken a stand against such a deeply personal issue to the people of Wyoming,” commented Brianna Jones, Communications Director.  “Eleven years ago we were mortified by the murder of Matthew Shephard; today we are equally embarrassed that Rep Lummis did not stand up to help prevent and punish future crimes of this hateful nature,” said Jones. 

The act, which passed the US House of Representatives Thursday, would include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal law prohibiting crimes motivated by bias against citizens belonging to a minority.  The legislation will now move to the Senate, and if passed, be sent to President Obama.  President Obama has already signaled his support for the legislation.

The Wyoming Democratic Party urges Senator Mike Enzi and Senator John Barrasso to vote in favor of the Matthew Shephard Act.  “This important piece of legislation has been languishing for over ten years and we are hopeful our Senators will recognize that those at the heart of this act deserve to be equally protected by the laws of this nation,” added Jones. 

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