Enzi, Barrasso Embarrass Wyoming in Vote Against Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act
Friday, October 23, 2009
Casper, WY – The
Wyoming Democratic Party today expressed
disappointment in Senator Mike Enzi and Senator
John Barrasso for their votes against the
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes
Prevention Act.
Representative Cynthia Lummis
also voted against the act when it passed the
House. “We had hoped that Rep Lummis’ vote was
an anomaly. This is a monumental day for anyone
who has lived in fear of being persecuted, and
we are disappointed our members of Congress
refused to help combat crimes based on hatred
and fear,” said Brianna Jones, communications
director for the Wyoming Democratic
Party.
The act,
which was approved by the Senate in a vote of
68-29 on Thursday, incorporates sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity and
disability into existing federal law
prohibiting crimes motivated by bias against
citizens belonging to a minority. The
legislation will now be sent to President
Obama. President Obama has already
signaled his
support.
The
Wyoming Democratic Party applauds longtime
Wyoming residents and parents of Matthew
Shepard, Dennis and Judy, for their tireless
campaign to pass this
legislation.
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