Bias-fueled violence is one of the most dire problems facing bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender communities. The UUA supports the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which broadens the definition of federal hate crimes to include disability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

In July 2009, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed the Senate as part of the Department of Defense (DOD) Authorization Bill, but opponents to the bill successfully included an amendment making some federal Hate Crimes offenses punishable by death.

Now the bill will come before a conference committee with members from both houses of Congress. Help us ensure that the Hate Crimes Amendment stays in the final DOD bill without the death penalty amendment.