But we know that [Matthew Shepard] was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay. The Hate Crimes Bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.

I do a lot of work with a local youth organization in town and I'm so utterly speechless that ANYONE could be so vacuous that they could see Shepard's senseless murder as being motivated by anything OTHER than his sexuality. I know you're looking for it, so here's the contact info for Rep. Foxx:

Phone: (202) 225-2071

Phone: (336) 778-0211

Phone: (828) 265-0240

{edit: and some snailmail}

WASHINGTON, D.C. -

1230 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

North Carolina -

6000 Meadowbrook Mall, Suite 3

Clemmons, N.C. 27012

or

240 Hwy 105 Extension, Suite 200

Boone, N.C. 28607

I wish I had more to write, but I'm seriously speechless.



[Update]I have to add the obligatory "Thanks for getting me on the rec list!" I have been reading and posting sporadically for the last 3-4 years. I just wish I had been on the rec list for something a little more positive and uplifting than the absolutely disgusting utterances of a close-minded Representative from another state.

On the plus side, I hope this mini-diary helps raise the awareness of the struggle that gay, lesbian, trans people go through every day. We talk about the viciousness and venom all the time around "Pride" events, but seem to forget about them in the day-to-day.

[Update]The bill in question passed the House 249-175. How can 175 people be so morally bankrupt and such a position of power?