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View Full Version : Call Congress NOW! hate crimes bill vote tomorrow

Zerbie
04-28-2009, 03:14 PM
Hi folks,

Remember the Matthew Shepard act? It's back, due for a vote in the House of Reps tomorrow.

Call your Representative today to voice support, tell him/her to vote YES on the MAtthew Shepard hate crimes bill.

I believe this # is the Capitol Switchboard in DC (I'm calling my Rep at a direct number so not using this one, which came to my inbox in an action alert.)

866-346-4611
Matt Algren
04-28-2009, 03:59 PM
I called earlier today and the switchboard was overloaded. Got through finally, but it could be a good sign.
Zerbie
04-28-2009, 06:38 PM
I called earlier today and the switchboard was overloaded. Got through finally, but it could be a good sign.

Oooh. Glad I had my Rep's direct line. Got the call in about 2 minutes before what was 5pm on the east coast, expressed my ongoing support for the bill and hope that the Rep will vote yes this time, then wished the staffer a good evening.

If the switchboard is full, that could either be supporters like us, or those who have been told the old bevy of lies from opponents.

Maybe the bill will get passed this year.
tdogg
04-28-2009, 07:20 PM
My Rep is on board!!! I didn't realize this was up for a vote already until I got the message yesterday from HRC I think. Thanks for the reminder Zerbie! :love:
Matt Algren
04-29-2009, 05:56 PM
The Matthew Shepard Act passed in the House (http://blog.mattalgren.com/2009/04/us-house-of-representatives-passes-matthew-shepard-act/) with a final tally of 249-175. My congressman is in the minority. And he was busy on twitter talking about something completely unrelated during the debate. I HAVE GREAT REPRESENTATION!!!

The vote came after North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx (http://blog.mattalgren.com/2009/04/motive-for-matthew-shepards-death-really-a-hoax/) said that the anti-gay motive behind Matthew Shepard's murder "really a hoax". Reports are that Matthew Shepard's mother was in the room during Rep. Foxx's speech.

Whatever. It passed! On to the Senate!!!
tymejumper
04-30-2009, 07:23 PM
sent a letter to my senator/rep. She seems to be on board and for equal rights. Hope it works!