orbitaldiamonds | The Matthew Shepard Act HAS PASSED!

Begich and Murkowski aren't my Senators (my Florida Senators are Nelson and Martinez), but I'll be emailing all four of them. :D

Dear Heather,

Your senators ignored the radical right's lies and voted "Yes" on the hate crimes bill.

Call them TODAY to say 'thank you'!

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (20... and Sen. Mark P. Begich (202) 224-3004

Then, report your call!

I have great news to share: the Senate has passed the Matthew Shepard Act!

The bill will soon be on its way to President Obama's desk, where he'll get a chance to make good on his promise to sign it.

This vote came on the heels of tremendous pressure from radical right-wing groups that used every trick in the book.

They called the bill the "Pedophile Protection Act," among other outrageous claims. They dismissed the barbaric hate crime that took Matthew Shepard's life as a "hoax." They flooded the Senate with hundreds of thousands of letters and calls.

But your calls, emails, and financial support for our work helped make sure the truth prevailed in the end. Without you, this victory for equal rights would not have been possible.

Will you do one last important thing? Both of your senators voted "Yes" on the bill and both need to know we appreciate their courage under fire.

Please call and thank your senators today: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (202) 224-6665 and Sen. Mark P. Begich (202) 224-3004 .

Once you've called, please report your call.

Don't skip this step! It helps us track all the calls.

A simple 'thank you' after the vote is just as important as all the calls and emails before the vote. It lets lawmakers know that their constituents are engaged, and makes them more likely to pay attention when we need their help again. This is a tremendous step forward for full equality for LGBT Americans, but we most certainly will need their help again.

Please take a minute from your busy day to make these two quick calls.

Thank you for all your help!

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President

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