[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE MEMORY OF MATTHEW SHEPARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 14, 1999

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
memory of Matthew Shepard. One year ago, this 21-year-old college 
student died in a hospital bed in Fort Collins, Colorado, the victim of 
a brutal and senseless act of hate. I don't think anyone will ever 
forget the imagery of him being pistol-whipped, beaten, robbed, tied to 
a rough-hewn fence and left for dead on a cold October morning outside 
of Laramie, WY. And all of this because he was gay.
  It is ironic that his life would be taken in such a violent way, 
considering the fact that Matthew wanted to dedicate his life to 
creating a world of peace and promoting human rights. He did not die in 
vain. His death shook us by our shoulders and forced us to deal with 
the issue of hate crimes and come to grips with the hate that brews in 
so many people's hearts. A crime motivated by hate is more than just 
another crime committed against an individual--it is intended to put 
fear into a whole community whether it is the African-American, Asian, 
Latino, disabled, gay and lesbian or senior communities.
  Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. Every person is entitled to respect 
and human dignity, and no person should live in fear for being who they 
are. Our nation is strong because of our diversity, not in spite of it. 
We must speak with one voice to erase violence and hate from our 
communities and from our hearts. And we must pass the Hate Crimes 
Prevention Act. This piece of legislation may not end all hate 
violence, but it will send a strong message that this Congress will not 
tolerate hate crimes, and that people who commit such acts will be met 
with swift and equal justice. And it will renew our commitment to 
creating an America where there is ``liberty and justice for all.''

                          ____________________