Cyndi Lauper Comments On Expansion Of Hate Crimes Law

Cyndi Lauper is reacting to news of the federal hate crimes bill being expanded to include protection for gays and lesbians from hate-motivated violence. The veteran pop singer told fans on her blog at MySpace (@cyndilauper) on Wednesday (October 28):

As a straight ally and as a person with many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family members, friends and fans, I want to thank the Human Rights Campaign, Judy and Dennis Shepard and Senator Edward Kennedy for their leadership in the 11 year struggle to get the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Prevention Bill enacted. FINALLY, with President Obama’s signature, violent hate crimes against the LGBT community will be recognized and prosecuted by the Federal government. This is only the beginning, I believe that the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, will soon be here. Today, that light at the end of the tunnel for the LGBT civil rights movement is much brighter.