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Background

People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to hate crimes because they are often less able to able to recognize danger, protect themselves, or obtain assistance. Their differences are often apparent and make them easy targets for those who harbor hatred and bigotry. One such victim was Ricky Whistnant, a 39 year old man with intellectual and developmental disabilities who was a leader in his Connecticut's disability advocacy movement. Whistnant was savagely attacked by a group of teenagers because Whistnant was different - he had disabilities.

It is critical that people with disabilities are included under the federal hate crimes law. Currently they are not. The law only covers incidents directed against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color or national origin.

For nearly a decade, the disability community has worked to advance legislation to expand the groups covered under the hate crimes law. Bills have been introduced but, as yet, none have passed.

Status

Last week, Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) filed S. 1105, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA) as an amendment to the Department of Defense (DOD) reauthorization bill currently being considered on the Senate floor.

The LLEHCPA, already passed by the House of Representatives will, for the first time, allow for the federal prosecution of hate crimes based on disability, as well as gender, sexual orientation and gender identity. It will also provide local police and sheriff's departments with vital federal resources to address hate crimes on a larger, more inclusive scale.

The DOD reauthorization bill vote could happen any time, most likely this week after the Iraq war debate. Thus, it is imperative that we communicate NOW with Senators urging them to move the Kennedy-Smith Hate Crimes amendment on the DOD reauthorization bill.

Without the LLEHCPA, crimes committed against people with disabilities SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE DISABILITIES may continue to go unrecognized, unprosecuted, and unpunished.

Take Action

ACT NOW! Call your Senators TODAY at 202-224-3121 and urge them to support S. 1105, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act of 2007 (LLEHCPA) and to ensure that the Kennedy-Smith Hate Crimes Amendment is passed as part of the Department of Defense reauthorization bill.