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MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009
Contact: Jody Cofer
info@kentuckyfairness.org / 270-703-1582
KENTUCKY FAIRNESS ALLIANCE
APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF INCLUSIVE HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION
FRANKFORT – Today, the U.S. Senate passed inclusive hate crimes legislation marking a historic day in our nation’s struggle for fairness in public policy and practice. After previously passing the U.S. House of Representatives, the measure now goes to President Obama for signature. He has publicly stated his support for expanding federal hate crimes legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
"The passage of an inclusive hate crimes bill by the U.S. Congress is a great step for fairness across our country. President Obama should move quickly to sign this historic legislation and make it the law of the land,” said Jody Cofer, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Board member. “While Kentucky hate crimes law references orientation, a portion of the LGBT community is passed over. This federal legislation brings our transgender brothers and sisters into the tent. Sadly, prejudices still sometimes lead to awful criminal acts - it’s time for federal statute to acknowledge and curb that.
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The Kentucky Fairness Alliance is the leading statewide nonprofit organization in Kentucky seeking to advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people through leadership development, public education and by encouraging participation in the democratic process.
The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity.
