Date: Tue, 13 Oct 98 16:49:14 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: ACTION ALERT: Matthew Shepard's Murder **************************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE ACTION ALERT Contact: Betsy Gressler, Deputy Political Director bgressler@ngltf.org 202-332-6483 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org **************************************************** In response to the murder of Matthew Shepard, there are several proactive things you can do: * attend a vigil for Matthew Shepard in your community * press for passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act * send money to the Ft. Collins ballot initiative campaign * send money to the fund for Matt Shepard's medical expenses Information is below on each of these options: ................................................................... (1) Attend a vigil or rally in your community ................................................................... Contact your local anti-violence project, community center, or political group to find out what is happening in your area. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area, come out for the NATIONAL VIGIL on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 at 7PM. We will gather on the west steps of the US CAPITOL. Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and other national organizations. Many entertainment figures will also attend, including Helen Hunt, Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Heche, Betty DeGeneres, Kristen Johnston and others. ................................................................... (2) Press Congress to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act ................................................................... The Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 3081/S. 1529) would permit federal prosecution for anti-GLBT violence and enhance sentencing for offenders. It is currently awaiting passage. Call Sen. Orrin Hatch's office - (202) 224-5251 and urge him to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act Call your federal representatives and urge them to pass this measure. Get your Congressperson and Senator's names, numbers, and email address at Project Vote Smart: www.vote-smart.org by entering your zip code. ................................................................... (3) Donate money to the Fort Collins, CO ballot measure campaign ................................................................... Right wing forces put ordinances 21 and 22 on the November 3 ballot. These Ordinances would amend the city human rights code to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Fort Collins is only an hour away from Laramie, WY where the murder occured. Send campaign contributions to: Fort Collins Citizens for Human Rights 305 W. Magnolia #123 Fort Collins, CO 80521 http://www.choice-city.com ................................................................... (4) Donate money to help Matt's parents defray medical costs. ................................................................... Send funds to: Fund for Matthew Shepard Account #1926083 c/o First National Bank PO Box 578 Fort Collins, CO 80522 _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in soci_________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.