Washington, DC –United States Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today praised final Senate passage of legislation to strengthen the ability of federal, state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute hate crimes.

Senator Boxer said, “Hate crimes are particularly offensive because they are propelled by bias, ignorance and bigotry.  These crimes do not just to inflict harm on one victim, but they also instill fear in entire communities.  And no person – simply because of who they are – should ever have to live in fear.”

The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill in July.  It adds gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity to the list of protected categories under federal hate crimes laws. The measure also provides additional federal support to state and local authorities investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.

Senator Boxer continued, “It has been more than 10 years since the senseless and brutal death of Matthew Shepard, and I look forward to watching President Obama sign this much-needed legislation into law.”