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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 475-09
October 28, 2009

STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON BILL SIGNED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA THAT INCLUDES MATTHEW SHEPARD AND JAMES BYRD, JR. HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT

“It is great news that President Obama has signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which adds sexual orientation, gender and gender identity to the classes protected under the federal hate crimes law. This law sends the powerful message that our nation values and will protect its diversity, a message we try and send every day in New York City. The law has had many champions, but special appreciation must go to Judy Shepard, who lost her son 11 years ago to an act of hate. Our nation is a better, safer nation as a result of her perseverance.”







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958




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