Wanted to make sure everyone knows that the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (also known at the Matthew Sheppard Act) passed the Senate (60-39). This is excellent news as it expands the federal hate crimes law to include a person’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. (Currently the law covers race, religion or national origin.) Although President Bush has already said he will veto the bill, it is still a huge victory for women and the LGBT community and certainly sends a powerful message. The Human Rights Campaign and NOW have been staunch supporters of the bill since it’s inception. —Emmily