Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

I am so glad this has come to pass.
I remember listening to Judy Shepherd when she visited our school to talk about the hatred that led to her son's death. And I remember the earnestness with which the Westboro Baptist Church protesters answered my interview questions about why they were protesting and their v.strident belief that Mathew was burning in hell (the website was what they asked me to look into to understand more of their beliefs. At least today, it is far less frightening to look at than when I first glanced at it 4-5 yrs ago. Then it had these horrible fire graphics & other despicable whatnots. I don't think I have ever come across a more horrendous visual expression of bigotry stemming from religion. There is no possible way for me to reconcile what I know of my faith with what is taught to these young people).
In the interview, they used terms that we had to spend a lot of time bleeping in order for it to be airable on t.v. And I remember being beyond upset that such youngsters were brought up with hate in the name of religion. I know that this bill will not help in making those young people learn to love. But here's hoping that they learn to tolerate or even be more open to dialogue or at the very, very least learn to not act on their violent upbringings.