Human Rights Campaign, Coalition of Groups Launch National Call-in Campaign

Supporters of bill to combat hate crimes urged to call Congress.

4/27/2009

Washington – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today a coalition campaign to call Congress in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would provide local police and sheriff’s departments with federal resources to combat hate violence.  After more than a decade of lobbying on Capitol Hill and seven successful votes on the bill, this critical piece of legislation is again expected to see a vote in the House this week.  The call-in campaign is set for April 27-29.

“We've received word that the House will vote on the Matthew Shepard Act very soon and we know that right-wing groups are flooding Congress with calls, emails and sickening ‘fact sheets’ full of lies about the lives of LGBT Americans,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “We need more calls to Members of Congress, and we need them right away.  It has been ten long years and tens of thousands more victims since the Matthew Shepard Act was first introduced in Congress.  We are poised for a presidential signature this year but lies from the radical right could easily derail our efforts.  We must not allow them to continue to demagogue and distort the truth.”

It takes about 45 seconds.  Members of the community are urged to call 202-224-3121. 
Callers are urged to tell the Member’s office: Read More »

• Hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are on the rise. One out of every six hate crimes is because of the victim's sexual orientation.
• Hate crimes have more than one victim. They are intended to create an atmosphere of fear and terrorize entire communities.
• The Matthew Shepard Act targets only violent acts – not speech. It does not tell any clergy member what he or she can or can't preach.

The Tampa Bay Steering committee would like to extend a thank you to Greg Campo and Planet Cafe for hosting our April Monthly Social Event and supplying great Entertainment.

If you were unable tomake it to this event, check back soon for details on our next great oppotrunity to get together, meet new people, and be a part of the movement for LGBT Equality!

We look forward to having more events at this great space!

If you have not been to Planet Cafe, check it out.  They have great food and a variety of entertainment on different nights.

Here is their info:
528 Cleveland st
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 441-9249

Thank You Again Planet Cafe!
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