Matthew Shepard Foundation: 'If Not Here, Where? If Not Now, When?'

CASPER, Wyo., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following release is being
issued by the Matthew Shepard Foundation:

Judy and Dennis Shepard on Withdrawal of Hate Crimes Legislation:

"We are truly dismayed to find that Congress now will put aside its leadership
on passage of federal hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation
and gender identity.

"At this time of year that fills us all with hope for humankind, we are sad to
find that a Congressional majority of each House who have already adopted the
Matthew Shepard Act cannot yet come together.

"If not here, where? If not now, when?

"Make no mistake, this is a small triumph of process over principle. We are
dedicated to redoubling our efforts next year to achieve our vision of a
hate-free America that truly includes everyone. This has never simply been
about Matthew Shepard and our family, this legislation is a gift delayed but
never forgotten for all America's families.

"We thank our friends, allies and champions in Washington and around the world
who have struggled so hard this year. We know that we will unite once again
next year to achieve passage of this milestone human rights legislation."

Background:
The originally legislation is formally entitled, the Matthew Shepard Local Law
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 1105). This summer, it was offered
as a bipartisan amendment by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Senator Gordon
Smith (R-OR) to the Department of Defense authorization bill that was approved
by both Houses of Congress. The virtually identical House version of the bill
passed overwhelmingly on May 3rd, 2007 with a bipartisan vote of 237 to 180 as
an appropriate and measured response to the unrelenting and under-addressed
problem of hates crimes against individuals based on sexual orientation,
gender, gender identity and disability.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in
memory of their 21-year-old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate
crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that
was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks
to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its
varied education, outreach and advocacy programs. For more information, please
visit www.MatthewShepard.org.

SOURCE Matthew Shepard Foundation

Matthew Matassa of Communications Director of Matthew Shepard Foundation,
+1-303-830-7400 x14, +1-303-588-2872, Matassa@MatthewShepard.org