[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW SHEPARD AND HIS FAMILY

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to remember a young 
man who was wrongly, viciously struck down in the prime of his life. 
Matthew Shepard was an innocent, kind, young man pursuing his education 
and enjoying the life of a college student. Tragically, he is now a 
reminder of what happens when we do not stand up to hate and bigotry.
  On Monday night in Seattle and Spokane, Washington, hundreds of 
people from all walks of life came together to remember Matthew and to 
call for action to end hate crimes. Many people in Washington were 
outraged and shared in our nation's sorrow. I was touched by this 
response and join with so many others in expressing my own deep sense 
of hopelessness. I know that this was not just an isolated incident. 
Hate crimes are a real threat. We cannot be silent any longer.
  A week ago today, I joined many of my Colleagues down at the White 
House in celebration of the signing of the Higher Education 
Reauthorization Act. I was proud to be there to call attention to the 
importance of this Act. I was proud that the legislation increased 
opportunities for young students and improved access to quality 
education for all students. I thought about how important it was for us 
to be focused on the needs of young Americans and their families 
striving to achieve a higher education.
  I thought of the many college students and high school students I 
have met who would benefit from these opportunities. I thought about my 
own college age children and the opportunities they would have. I knew 
this was a big accomplishment.
  Today, my thoughts are with another young college student who will 
never experience the opportunities and improvements we worked so hard 
to achieve. My thoughts have gone from improving opportunities to how 
to prevent the terrible heartache that Matthew Shepard's family and 
friends are now experiencing.
  When I first heard of this horrible crime I immediately felt deep 
sympathy for Matthew's parents. How frightening it must have been for 
them to fly half way around the world to be with their child who was 
almost unrecognizable because of the violent attack he suffered. I 
can't imagine the pain they must be experiencing. There are simply no 
words that I could offer in comfort.
  I then felt deep sorrow for the community and the University. To know 
that those who committed this violent and hateful crime are part of 
their community must be unbearable. This community will never be the 
same.
  I now feel sorry for our nation. What we have lost? A young man with 
so much potential. What might Matthew Shepard have become? We know that 
he was interested in political science and very interested in this 
field of study. Could Matthew have become a U.S. Senator?
  I think now that maybe Matthew can teach us all. We need to use this 
tragic and despicable crime to attack hate as we attack any other 
disease that kills. We must treat hate crimes as the deadly threat that 
they are and do more to prevent them. Hate is nothing more than a 
cancer that needs to be stopped.
  S. 1529, Hate Crimes Prevent Act, offers us that opportunity. I am 
pleased to have joined with many of my Colleagues in cosponsoring this 
important legislation. The bill would expand the definition of a hate 
crime and improve prosecution of those who act out their hate with 
violence. No one beats a person to death and leaves them to die without 
being motivated by a deep sense of hate. This was no robbery. The 
motive was hate.
  The immediate response of local law enforcement officials illustrates 
why we need to strengthen federal Hate Crimes laws and why the Federal 
Government must take a greater role in ending this violence.
  I urge all of my Colleagues to think about the many Matthew Shepard, 
we have all met. Kind and hard working young adults. Let us act now to 
prevent any more senseless violence and deaths.
  It is often said that from tragedy we can learn. Let us learn from 
this tragic event and make a commitment that we will act on Hate Crimes 
Prevention legislation. Let our actions serve as a comfort to Matthew's 
parents and the hundreds of other parents who fear for their children.
  There are so many tragedies that we cannot prevent. Another 
senseless, brutal attack like the one experienced by Matthew is a 
tragedy that we cannot prevent. We spend millions of dollars a year 
seeking cures for deadly diseases that strike the young and old. We 
simply cannot accept a disease that strikes without warning and takes 
the life of a percious vulnerable child. We need to treat hate the 
same. It cannot and will not be tolerated.

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