From: Heather Wright Subject: PFLAG Alert: PFLAG Unveils Hate Crimes Research Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 11:46:39 -0400 * * * PFLAG News Release * * * For Immediate Release October 5, 1999 Contact: Eric Ferrero 202-638-4200 x212 Days Before Shepard Murder Anniversary, PFLAG Unveils Research, Calls Hate Crimes 'Moral and Family Issue' As the nation prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard - a tragedy which galvanized public opinion behind legal protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (g/l/b/t) people, and which coincides with National Coming Out Day - families stepped up their calls today for the newly-reconvened Congress to pass hate crime legislation. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) today released "Hate Crimes Hurt Families," unprecedented material documenting the broad impact of bias-motivated crime. PFLAG also recently distributed a letter from Matthew Shepard's mother, Judy, to schools nationwide. Mrs. Shepard asked administrators to ensure that students do not learn the "dangerous lesson" of intolerance that killed her son. "If Congress can't pass hate crime legislation now, then when? How many more mothers have to lose their kids?" asked PFLAG Executive Director Kirsten Kingdon, who has a gay son. "Enough is enough. This is a family issue and a moral issue, plain and simple, and our families will not rest until our loved ones are safe." The U.S. Senate passed the Hate Crimes Prevention Act earlier this year as an amendment to the Commerce-State-Justice Appropriations Bill. Since the House did not act on hate crime legislation, it is being negotiated in Conference Committee. President Clinton has said he will sign the Hate Crimes Prevention Act if it reaches his desk. The bill would strengthen existing federal hate crime laws by allowing the U.S. Dept. of Justice to assist in local prosecutions and, where appropriate, to investigate and prosecute cases in which violence occurs because of the victim's sexual orientation, disability or gender. The bill would also strengthen efforts to address hate crimes based on race, religion and national origin. Last week, Rev. Paul Beeman, PFLAG's National President, was among 100 of the nation's foremost spiritual leaders gathered to discuss hate crimes at the White House Religious Leaders Breakfast. After the breakfast, a half-dozen faith leaders met with key Administration officials to further discuss hate crime prevention. "This meeting was historic because, finally, America had a chance to see the truth about hate crimes," said Beeman, who has a gay son and a lesbian daughter. "For too long, these issues have been debated in a context of families and religious people versus gay-supportive people. The truth is that this bill would strengthen the law dealing with religious-based hate crimes, as well. And the truth is many g/l/b/t people and their families are people of faith - and we are appalled by all bias-motivated crime that is intended to intimidate entire groups." For National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) Kingdon urged all Americans to come out in support of g/l/b/t people - and particularly to voice their support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. "While we have this wonderful day to encourage people to be open and honest about who they are, we have no way to tell them that they will be protected in their communities," Kingdon said. Understanding the broader impact of hate crimes is key to bringing about lasting change, Kingdon said, which is why PFLAG released "Hate Crimes Hurt Families" now. The Issue Paper draws on academic research, as well as the profound personal experiences of PFLAG's vast membership. Among its highlights: - A chilling first-person account from an Illinois mother who was terrorized by anti-gay youth because her teenage son is gay. In addition to vandalism of the family's home and car, a Molotov cocktail bomb was thrown into their front yard, and the mother was shot at in her kitchen. - Research on the lasting psychological effects of anti-gay hate crimes, which are shown to have a much more negative impact on victims than other crimes. - Information on the direct impact anti-gay hate crimes have on families, including psychological, emotional, physical and financial effects. - Examples and suggestions of how families are shaping the debate on hate crimes, and how every family can help pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The Issue Paper is now available online at www.pflag.org, or can be ordered by calling PFLAG at 202-638 4200, x213. PFLAG's web site also includes in-depth information and analysis on hate crimes, and a section debunking myths about hate crime legislation. Judy Shepard's Open Letter to School Administrators is also available online. Throughout October, PFLAG will announce additional resources and opportunities to learn more about families and hate crimes. In the meantime, Kingdon said PFLAG will continue working - with one of the most diverse national legislative coalitions ever assembled - to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. "I have met parents who travel hundreds of miles to parole board hearings, years after their children were attacked. I have seen families who were shot at in their homes and chased on highways, simply because someone in the family is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered," Kingdon said. "Hate crimes are a stain on our cherished American tradition of embracing and appreciating diversity. Congress has both an opportunity and an obligation to take a stand on an issue of great importance to families nationwide." Note to Editors: - The "Hate Crimes Hurt Families" Issue Paper and Judy Shepard's letter to schools are available via fax or e-mail. - Interviews with PFLAG leaders and members in Ft. Collins, Colorado, (where Matthew Shepard will be remembered this weekend) are available. - Interviews with families impacted by hate crimes can be arranged. For more information, call Eric Ferrero at 202-638-4200, x212, or e-mail eferrero@pflag.org. # # # Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families & friends through support, education, and advocacy. Serving nearly 77,000 members & supporters, PFLAG affiliates are located in 430+ communities in the U.S. 1101 14th St. NW, Suite 1030, Washington, DC 20005 . phone: 202-638-4200 fax: 202-638-0243 Email info@pflag.org Web http://www.pflag.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To unsubscribe from PFLAG's Email Alert, send an email, subject line "unsubscribe" to info@pflag.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~