[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H10836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ON GAY STUDENT MURDER

  (Mr. RUSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today compelled to speak out about the 
murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard. This college freshman was 
kidnapped, robbed, savagely beaten and then tied to a fence in near-
freezing temperatures, left to die. And why? Because of his sexual 
orientation.
  Unfortunately, Matthew is not alone. FBI statistics reveal that 
sexual orientation played a role in over 1,000 hate crimes recorded in 
1996. This behavior cannot be tolerated. Legislation must be passed to 
increase the penalty for crimes committed because of sexual 
orientation.
  Today, I join my voice with thousands of Americans who are outraged 
and who are calling for their elected leadership to do just that, just 
lead. As a cosponsor of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1998, I know 
that we have legislation that addresses this issue. We have a 
responsibility to pass this legislation. How can we do anything less?
  Pass the bill and pass the bill now.

                          ____________________