Legislative news

the US House of Representatives has just passed the Matthew Shepard Act! If passed, the act will ban hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and disability. The bill now moves to the Senate. President Obama has committed to sign the bill, and has urged Congress to move quickly to approve it. [Associated Press]

And in New Hampshire, the state Senate approved a bill that may establish marriage equality! The House has already approved a similar bill, but since it’s been amended, it’ll need to go back to Representatives for a final vote before hitting the Governor’s desk. Governor John Lynch has not stated whether he intends to veto the bill. [Edge Boston]

Congratulations to all the activists and lawmakers who’ve worked so hard to make both of these votes a reality!

from Basic Rights Oregon