Pelosi Statement on the 13th Anniversary of Historic Hate Crimes Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement commemorating the 13th anniversary of the signing of the historic Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act:
"For 13 years, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act has been a pillar of justice – upholding the fundamental rights of all Americans, no matter who they are or who they love. President Obama and Congressional Democrats enacted this landmark legislation with a heavy heart for those stolen away by bigoted violence and with profound respect for the advocates who have turned anguish into action.
"Yet even as Americans commemorate this monumental step forward, MAGA Republicans remain consumed by hate – obsessed with tormenting LGBTQ children and trafficking in vile, transphobic rhetoric. Disgusted by such heinous cruelty, House Democrats will never relent in our fight to protect Americans' universal right to safety, dignity and opportunity. Amid a nationwide rise in violent acts of hate, that work has never been more urgent. It is with great pride that the Democratic House has twice passed the Equality Act to extend the full protections of the Civil Rights Act to LGBTQ Americans. Last year, we enacted the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to strengthen the fight against violent extremism. And earlier this year, President Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act – finally classifying this atrocity as a federal hate crime.
"As we mark today's anniversary, House Democrats remain committed to forging a brighter future for all of America's children: building safer communities, saving lives and stamping out hate wherever it appears."