[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 42 (Monday, October 19, 1998)]
[Page 2029]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Attack on Matthew Shepard

October 10, 1998

    I was deeply grieved by the act of violence perpetrated against 
Matthew Shepard of Wyoming.
    The Justice Department has assured me that local law enforcement 
officials are proceeding diligently to bring those responsible to 
justice. And I am determined that we will do everything we can and offer 
whatever assistance is appropriate.
    Hillary and I ask that your thoughts and your prayers be with Mr. 
Shepard and his family, and with the people of Laramie, Wyoming. In the 
face of this terrible act of violence, they are joining together to 
demonstrate that an act of evil like this is not what our country is all 
about. In fact it strikes at the very heart of what it means to be an 
American and at the values that define us as a nation. We must all 
reaffirm that we will not tolerate this.
    Just this year there have been a number of recent tragedies across 
our country that involve hate crimes. The vicious murder of James Byrd 
last June in Jasper, Texas, and the assault this week on Mr. Shepard are 
only among the most horrifying examples.
    Almost one year ago I proposed that Congress enact the ``Hate Crimes 
Prevention Act.'' Our Federal laws already punish some crimes committed 
against people on the basis of race or religion or national origin, but 
we should do more. This crucial legislation would strengthen and expand 
the ability of the Justice Department to prosecute hate crimes by 
removing needless jurisdictional requirements for existing crimes and by 
giving Federal prosecutors the power to prosecute hate crimes committed 
because of the victim's sexual orientation, gender, or disability. All 
Americans deserve protection from hate.
    There is nothing more important to the future of this country than 
our standing together against intolerance, prejudice, and violent 
bigotry. It is not too late for Congress to take action before they 
adjourn and pass the ``Hate Crimes Prevention Act.'' By doing so, they 
will help make all Americans more safe and secure.