Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden took to Twitter today to mark the 25th anniversary of a tragic incident that shook the nation, as he reflected on the legacy of Matthew Shepard and the ongoing struggle to combat hate and violence against LGBTQI+ Americans.
In his tweet, President Biden remembered the day twenty-five years ago when Matthew Shepard lost his life in a brutal act of anti-gay hate and violence, simply for being himself. The murder of Matthew Shepard left a lasting impact on the American conscience, highlighting the urgent need to address hate crimes and discrimination.
President Biden also paid tribute to Matthew Shepard’s parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, who channeled their grief into activism, transforming Matthew’s memory into a movement. As Vice President, Joe Biden had the privilege of contributing to this cause by helping enact the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This landmark legislation extended federal hate crimes laws to encompass sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, serving as a testament to Matthew Shepard’s enduring legacy and the unwavering advocacy of his parents.
Despite the progress made through legislation like the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, President Biden emphasized that the work is far from over. He underlined the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQI+ Americans, who continue to experience hate and violence, stressing the need to end this discrimination and bigotry.
In closing, President Biden offered his blessings to Matthew Shepard and all those who remember him on this solemn day, calling for a united effort to ensure a more inclusive and accepting future for all Americans.
The legacy of Matthew Shepard lives on, reminding us of the importance of standing together against hate and working towards a more just and compassionate society.
