"No to Hate Crimes" Day of Action

Tonight starting at 9pm through to 9pm on Saturday, an internet campaign created by Act on Principles is happening to demonstrate worldwide support for ending hate crimes.

For just two minutes of your time this October 30th, take a moment to light a candle and stand in silence. You can be together with big or small groups in your public square, in your neighborhood, in front or your city hall or you can be in your room in front of your altar.

Then, take a of photo of the candle you light and post it as your Facebook or other social networking profile pic for the next 24 hours. This is to make a further visual statement saying NO TO HATE CRIMES.

Light a candle. Be silent for 2 minutes. Remember those hurt and lost to us by hate crimes. Stand and say NO TO HATE CRIMES.

Senate Poised to Act on Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill

Time is of the essence and senators can vote as early as today on whether to add an amendment to Defense Authorization Bill that would also pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act (S. 909). The house has previously passed the bill in April and President Obama promises to sign the bill into law should it reach his desk.

This bill expands the coverage of existing hate crime laws to include hate crimes based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. It also provides the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where current law or local law enforcement action are inadequate.

Click here to find contact info for your two state senators and urge them to vote in the affirmative or call (202) 224-3121 and ask the operator to connect you to your senators.