This week, selected members of the House and Senate will meet to decide on the final version of the Department of Defense (DOD) Authorization Act. The Senate version of DOD authorization includes the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, even though it has nothing whatsoever to do with our defense or our national security.

Instead of focusing on our national security at a time of war, this dangerous legislation grants the federal government new, sweeping and unprecedented power. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees "equal protection under the law" for all citizens - regardless of their sexual behavior. "Hate crimes" legislation flies in the face of the 14th Amendment, expanding the definition of a "hate crime" to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" among the protected classes.

We need your help now! Please call today the House and Senate conferees at 202-225-3121 and urge them to remove this provision from the final DOD Authorization bill.

Sincerely,

Wendy Wright
President