Barbara Cubin: “Mr. Speaker, every crime that is committed is a hateful crime. Brutalizing another person is a reprehensible act…”

“Mr. Speaker, every crime that is committed is a hateful crime. Brutalizing another person is a reprehensible act regardless of the motivation of the criminal or the affiliation of the victim. If convicted of first-degree murder in Wyoming, the suspects could be sentenced to death. Hate crime laws are enacted to enhance punishment. No sentence could be stronger, even if hate crimes legislation was enacted. The crime committed against Matthew Shepard is not only a crime against Matthew Shepard, but it is a crime against the dignity of all humanity. It is a crime against all of us. This cannot and will not be tolerated. This is not a time to divide our country over the differences that we have over certain legislation. Matthew's family has asked that that not happen. This is a time to unite in our common goal of ridding our country of intolerance, bigotry and prejudice and to offer comfort to Matthew's family and friends. Matthew left this world as an example to each one of us. He would want us to work against violence and hatred and toward peace and tolerance. There will be a memorial service for Matthew Shepard held in Laramie, Wyoming, tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.”