President Barack Obama has issued a statement which shows his support for the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (aka The Matthew Shepard Act). He urges Congress to move forward with the bill.
"This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance – legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action."
If this doesn't pass now, I'll be very surprised! Who really wants to piss off the president and look like a total bigot? Apparently, guys like this.
– Dewitt
I applaud his statement, but I doubt it will really be a major factor in how anyone votes.
Which is not to say that the president’s official position doesn’t matter, just that congresspersons tend to have a very firmly set stance on things this divisive and controversial, particularly when left-wing/right-wing is in play in such a big way.
I have yet to figure out why this such a controversial issue..
F’N!!! HOORAY 4 OBAMA!!!! I LOVE THIS man. He is (besides Clinton) the only other Pres. that TOTALLY stood up for our rights as Civil, law abiding NORMAL citizens of the U.S. IT’S ABOUT DAMN!!!! TIME.