From left: Frank Moxam, Maria Freed, Jason Alonso, Mark Ross, Joe Savnik; in center: Judy Shepard
North Grove neighbors on Washington and Trapp hosted a private reception last night for Judy Shepard, mother and new author. Her book the "Meaning of Matthew" was just released. She is in Miami for a fundraising event in Miami Beach tonight in support of her Foundation.
Her son, who was murdered in an an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998, lives on through the educational and advocacy work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Mrs. Sheppard, a passionate speaker, explained that presently both the House and Senate have approved Hate Crime Legislation, and it now needs to go to reconciliation to form one bill. President Obama has publicly said he will sign the bill as soon as it lands on his desk.
Regrettably, reconciliation the bill has not me with much success in the past. At the time, President Clinton, who was also a supporter was not able to sign a federal law because the Senate could not come to an agreement.
The goal of the Foundation: to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.
For more information on the outreach program, contact www.MatthewShepard.org
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