Matthew Shepard Act Vote in House TODAY

Have you called yet? Now is the time, if you haven't. E-mail, if you have to, in support of federal hate crimes protections.

The House of Representatives votes today on the Matthew Shepard Act (HR 1913). Hold you breath, kids... 10 years later, it may finally be done.

This is all over the web this morning, thanks to Bilerico for the complete statement from Pres. Obama yesterday:

This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance - legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action."

A question: will this be the first time a President something pro-gay into law outside of HIV/AIDS?