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Gay/Lesbian International News Network
More Information on Matthew Shepard Attack
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday, October 14, 1998
Lawrence, KS
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AGAINST HATE
FROM: The Freedom Coalition, Inc.
CONTACTS: Tim Brownlee Lisa Braun
(785) 843-1889 (785) 840-0565
brownlee@sunflower.com lbraun@ukans.edu
Christine Robinson Mike Silverman
robinson@falcon.cc.ukans.edu (785) 841-8766
cubsfan@turnleft.com
A Candlelight Vigil Against Hate will be held this Friday, October 16,
at 7:00 p.m. in front of City Hall, 6th and Masschusetts Streets. The
purpose of the vigil is to honor Matthew Shepard, James Byrd, and all
people who have died or been the victims of hate crimes. The event is
also to renew the call for state and national hate crimes prevention
legislation. The commemoration is being organized by The Freedom
Coalition, a Lawrence civil rights group.
Matthew Shepard is a gay man who died this week as the result of a
brutal beating in Wyoming. James Byrd is an African-American man who
was savagely murdered earlier this year in Jasper, Texas.
The candlelight vigil will include speakers from Lawrence community
organizations, the faith community, and KU organizations. Local and
state polititians are also being invited to speak.
[Bring a candle if you have one, and a paper cup for wax drippings - this
event will take place RAIN OR SHINE]
___________________________________
Founded in 1991, The Freedom Coalition, Inc. is a community organization
dedicated to ensuring that all people in Lawrence are free from social and
institutional oppression and legal discrimination and thus achieve their
full potential regardless of sexual orientation.
HE WAS FAMILY ... OUR FAMILY.
There will be a candlelight vigil to remember Matthew Shepard, the 21
year-old Univ. of Wyoming student brutally murdered last week in a gay
bashing, and other victims of hate violence this Friday, Oct. 16, at 9
p.m. Let us join together to express our sorrow and shame at the
senseless ongoing violence and intolerance, and to honor the brief life
of Matthew Shepard.
The vigil will be held in the parking lot of the GLBT Community Center,
910 N. Mesa, in downtown El Paso. Please also wear something yellow
this Friday as a symbol of solidarity and hope against hate crimes.
Yellow ribbons are available at LAMBDA and will be distributed at the
New Old Plantation on Thursday night.
Gay people, straight people, black, white, young, and old -- everyone
who accepts that one hate crime is too much -- is encouraged to attend.
We need help -- anyone wishing to participate as a speaker, make a
tax-deductible contribution, or to volunteer is asked to email (or call)
Alex or Carmen at LAMBDA's Anti-Violence Project, 915.562.GAYS. A list
of items needed for the day of the vigil and more information on hate
crimes will also be posted to the LAMBDA website, http://lambda.org.
The Community Center's hours will also be extended on Friday from noon -
10 p.m.
Now is the time to get involved!
Please send e-mail to Matthew's family. Now more than ever, we are all
part of Matthew's extended family. Let them know they're in our
thoughts: mshepard@libra.pvh.org Non-email letters will be collected
at the vigil and delivered to Matthew's family.
LAMBDA is one of only six organizations serving on the steering
committee of NCAVP, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.
Since 1991, LAMBDA has provided free recovery services to victims of
hate incidents and other forms of violence against the GLBTH
communities. LAMBDA's Anti-Violence Project features ongoing
educational efforts to prevent bias incidents and works to create safer
schools, homes, and work environments. LAMBDA is a 24-hour, non-profit,
501(c)3, grassroots organization run entirely by volunteers and funded
entirely by the community.
LAMBDA GLBT Community Services, 910 N Mesa, PO Box 31321, El Paso, TX
79931-0321
Tel: 915.562.GAYS FAX: 915.542.1901 Email: AVP@lambda.org President:
Rob Knight
Matthew Shepard Update
Wednesday October 14, 1998 - 1AM
VIGILS, VIGILS AND MORE VIGILS
The candlelight vigils to honor Matthew Shepard, and demand the passage of
hate crime laws, are proliferating quite incredibly. There will be a quite
large vigil Wednesday evening in DC at the US Capitol at 7PM, attended by
Ellen Degeneres, Ellen's mom Betty, and Anne Heche. I've heard reports of
people flying in from around the country for this one, so if you're in the
multi-state area, please try to attend (and bring some candles).
So, here's the deal on the DC Vigil.....
What: National Vigil in Washington, DC
Date: Wednesday 10/14/98
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: West Steps of the U.S. Capitol Building
Public Transportation:
* Metro: Orange & Blue Lines to the Capitol South Station; or the Red Line
to Union Station.
* Metrobus: 32,34,36 Lines to the US Capitol.
Attending: Member of Congress, Ellen DeGeneres & Anne Heche, Betty
DeGeneres and other Community Leaders.
For additional information: HRC 202-628-4160 http://www.hrc.org NGLTF
202-332-6483 http://www.ngltf.org GLAAD 202-986-1360 http://www.glaad.org
As for other vigils, please check the bulletin board on my site at
. A LOT of people have posted
information on vigils taking place in their area, and I urge you to check
here to see if anything is happening near you. And if it is, copy the
information and email it to your friends. Also, if you're having a local
vigil, or want to organize one, consider posting your information on the
bulletin board to let others in your area know.
FRED PHELPS IS COMING
The Rev. Fred Phelps, a notorious anti-gay preacher from Kansas, has
announced that he will be picketing Matthew's funeral. This comes as no
surprise to those of us who have followed Phelps and the Westboro Baptist
church for years now. Typically, they arrive with small children in hand,
toting signs saying such lovely things as "God Hates Fags" and "AIDS Cures
Fags." You can visit his Web site at - yes,
that is the Web site address. Some have asked why I publicize this
information at all? Because it is people like Phelps who best prove our
point that gay men and lesbian face a level of hatred, abuse, and
discrimination in American society that demands the passage of laws
protecting their liberty, safety, and livelihood. The next time someone
tells you that gay men and lesbians don't face discrimination, point them
to godhatesfags.com.
THE GOVERNOR AND THE POLICE
There are continued reports that the Governor of Wyoming, and perhaps even
the local police, are making statements not completely in synch with the
magnitude of the crime committed in this case.
1) CNN and local officials - Several people have written that CNN reported
this evening (I did not see the broadcast) that local officials are even
further downplaying the "hate crime" element of Matthew's death. This
follows ABC's interviews of the girlfriend and father of one of the killers
- interviews during which it was claimed that this was a simple robbery and
not a hate crime. In view of the obvious barbarism of this crime - and the
clear animus associated with it - the idea that this was a simple robbery
would seem as laughable as meteors and earthquakes hitting Orlando. Keep
an eye out for this story as it develops on Wednesday. If true, local
officials may be feeling some heat from somewhere to avoid the g-word.
2) The Governor - Speaking of heat....I received an email from a local
official in Laramie, Wyoming, concerned about a number of emails he has
received, (unfairly, he thinks) criticizing Wyoming for its treatment of
gay men and lesbians, and its treatment of this case. While Wyoming is a
lovely state, the Governor's words speak for themselves, and I suggest you
visit my site again and read his statements and interviews with the media
that I have posted, and decide for yourselves whether his statements honor
Matthew's life. By the way, I just found out, the Governor is up for
re-election.
THANKS FOR THE VISITS
The Web site received 50,000 "hits" on Monday alone, which frankly has me
amazed. And, people are using the bulletin boards to not only plan vigils,
but to share their grief with others from around the world. In addition, a
number of you have sent me cc's of email to the Governor, and have notified
me that you've contacted your Members of Congress (demanding passage of
federal hate crime legislation) and local newspapers (with
letters-to-the-editor). Thanks so much for taking the time to think about
Matthew and this horrible crime, and having the initiative to do something
about it.
CALL CONGRESS AGAIN
Congress is still in session for a few more days. Please drop by the Web
site and in the left column
use the links to send email to Congress demanding they pass federal hate
crime legislation. I had an interesting post on the bulletin board from a
gay man who didn't believe hate crimes laws did anything, and that they in
fact create phony categories that imply some crimes are less bad than
others. I disagre, and would like to share my response here:
"The law currently recognizes varying degrees of criminality, from simple
misdemeanors to felonies. So we accept that some crimes are more serious
than others. We also permit judges leeway in sentencing, often requiring a
range of sentence (5-20 years). Thus, we accept the fact that the
circumstances of a particular crime, even though it be the "same" crime,
should influence the actual sentencing. I would argue that hate crimes
legislation is consistent with this concept - that the law does in fact,
and should in fact, reflect the type and severity of crime. Hate crimes are
worse than random violence. Murder is of course terrible, but we don't
consider genocide to be just a million murders, we consider the attempt to
exterminate an entire people to be particularly abhorrent, I would ask you
why? After all, I suspect one million people have been murdered in the
history of the world, then why do we consider genocide to be worse? Because
of the intent, among other reasons (I would argue). The murder of someone
for who they are as a people is particularly abhorrent to our culture, for
good reason - particularly in view of our history and the world's history -
and the law is about sending messages of what we value as a society. In
this case, we value our diversity, tolerance, and the notion that murdering
someone for "who they are" is particularly offensive."
BED TIME
On that note, it's again way too late on the east coast and tomorrow I need
to pretend that I actually have a real bread-earning job. So good night to
all, and thanks again for continuing to care enough to insure that
Matthew's death will not be in vain. The response from all of you has been
absolutely heart-warming.
JOHN
MAJOR LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED for 10/14/98
Southern California Religious Leaders and Groups
Unite In Unprecedented Joint Action To Echo
President Clinton's Call For Immediate Congressional Approval
of the Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Action
in the Aftermath of the Death of Matthew Shepard
PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:
The Right Rev. Frederick Borsch, Bishop Episcopal Church
Rabbi Larry Goldmark, President, Board of Rabbis Of Southern California
The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, First Vice Moderator, Universal Fellowship of
Metropolitan Community Churches
Dr. Al Cohen, Executive Director, Southern California Ecumenical Council
Human Rights and Civil Rights Activists
WHEN
10 AM, Wednesday, October 14, 1998
WHERE
The Federal Building on Spring Street, Los Angeles
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Call The Rev. Nancy Wilson, Senior Pastor
of Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles
at (310) 854-9110
SOURCE:
DENVER POST, October 13, 1998
Vigils honor Shepard
By Kit Miniclier
Denver Post Staff Writer
Thousands of Coloradans, including many gay and lesbian activists, rallied
Monday in memory of Matthew Shepard, whose death has been condemned across
the nation as a hate crime.
"Don't come here tonight to shed tears," Denver Mayor Wellington Webb told
a crowd of about 1,200 people at the state capitol as the sun disappeared
behind the Rockies and mourners lit candles. "Work like hell to make sure no
one else suffers." He urged citizens to pass hate crime laws that include
victims of sexual orientation.
"Through this tragedy," Webb said he hopes people come to realize that
being gay "is not wrong, nor is it a condition that has to be changed." as
some arch conservatives have insisted. Instead of looking for what makes
people different "we must recognize that we are all the same," Webb, who is
black, told the cheering crowd of many colors and rich ethnic, religious,
social and sexual diversity.
Earlier, standing next to a symbolic set of fence posts similar to those
to which Shepard had been tied, brutally beaten and left to die, Sue Anderson
said "we are here to grieve and mourn the passing of a young gay man...it is a
time of fear, anger and outrage.
"Hate must stop! Violence Must stop ! We can't afford to lose any human
being to this senseless violence," added Anderson, who is executive director
of Equality Colorado, a statewide group working for justice and equality for
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
She urged everyone to challenge bigotry of any type at their work places,
neighborhoods and in their schools. Then she asked "Why did they (Shepard's
killers) think this was O.K....to brutalize and torture...his gayness was not
hurting them."
The vigil was one of three held Monday in Colorado - two were in Denver
and the third was at Acacia Park in Colorado Springs. The vigils sparked deep
emotions, with a few hecklers shouting obcenities.
Other memorial rallies were held Monday on Denver's Auraria Campus and
at Acacia Park in Colorado Springs. But at Denver's Auraria Campus Monday
afternoon, nearly 300 people chanted "we will not be silenced" as they rallied
around a photograph of Shepard.
Sentiments of love and kindness overcame tears and anger, as many stressed
the need to ensure that Shepard should not be permitted to die in vain.
"No room for hate. Rest in Peace Matt," read one sign at a rally on the
campus.
"Remember Auschwitz," read a poster at the capitol, referring to the Nazi
death camp during World War II. "Hate is a crime." Shepard, an openly gay
student who remained in a coma for five days after being brutally beaten, died
early Monday.
Hate crime legislation, providing stiffer penalties for crimes motivated
by hate, may deter some people's actions, but what is really needed is a
change in attitudes, Amy Foster of Denver told those attending the Auraria
rally.
Foster said she had been the victim of a physical attack in Cheyenne,
Wyo., prompted by her own admitted lesbian preference, three years ago.
Wyoming doesn't have a hate crimes law, and neither Colorado's hate crimes
law nor the existing federal law covers disabled people, or those attacked for
their real or perceived sexual preference or disabled people.
"We are all people. Why can't everyone understand that?" asked Scott
Collins, a personal friend of Shepard's who remembered the dead man's
optimism, love of life and plans for his own future.
Pleading for tolerance before he began trembling and broke down in tears,
Collins, 22, noted that he is white. "My parents had no expectation I would be
born into a minority" as a gay, he added.
Greg Vigil, a 40-year-old first-time student at Metro state, steered his
motorized wheelchair to the microphone.
"I'm a gay, Hispanic male in a wheelchair and I fear for myself and my
family," after Shepard's murder, Vigil said.
Metro State student body president Andy Nicholas, 20, urged everyone at
the rally to vote in national elections next month - after they carefully
study the platforms of those running for governor and the U.S. Senate.
"Use your voice, it does make a difference," said Nicholas, noting that
his sexual preference was not an issue when he was elected. Nicholas, who has
been openly gay for several years, said Shepard's death scares him because it
reflects such extreme violence.
"No one is excluded from the hatred of others," he told the crowd, most of
whom wore yellow arm bands in memory of Shepard.
"Beaten to death by ignorant thugs because he was different," Shepard "was
denied his promised pursuit of happiness," said Tony Young, one of at least 40
who spoke in front of a larger than life photo of Shepard on the Auraria
campus.
Others noted the death, condemned across the nation as a hate killing,
came during the national Coming Out Week for gays and lesbians.
"This wasn't a robbery, this was a lynching. We can't let this death go in
vain," declared Steve Monaco, director of the student health center on
Denver's Auraria campus.
"What is the message when a gay man is bashed to death?" asked Karen
Raforth, acting associate vice president at Metro State.
"Hate for hate is not the answer," she said, adding that education rather
than conformity to the majority is the answer. "Must people of color become
more white or must Jews become more Christian?" she asked rhetorically.
Donovan Edwards, who knew Shepard while they were growing up in Casper,
sang a song in his memory that asked "Who is right. Who is Wrong. Who am I
to say ...God loves us all and he doesn't discriminate."
SOURCE: Associated Press, October 13, 1998
Memorial service held for slain student
By Robert W. Black, Associated Press Writer
LARAMIE, Wyo. -- As the sun dropped behind the Snowy Range mountains
that rise west of Wyoming's only four-year college, hundreds of students and
non-students alike prayed and sang for Matthew Shepard.
The 21-year-old Shepard was remembered on Monday by about 800 people
who attended a memorial service on Prexy's Pasture, the sprawling green on
the University of Wyoming campus that students cross several times a day.
Friends of the man who was beaten nearly beyond recognition last week
gathered with many who were strangers to Shepard, who died Monday.
"I had never met Matthew; I'll never have that chance," said Jesus Rios,
president of the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming. "But
without a doubt Matthew's life and death have impacted my life in ways I won't
soon forget."
The school's vice president of the Division of Student Affairs, Jim
Hurst, said Shepard is the type of student a university needs.
"Matthew was open, caring, unpretentious, vibrant. And Matthew was gay,"
said Hurst. "He manifested a kind of diversity that is so necessary if we are
to learn from each other lessons of love, nurturance, devotion, acceptance and
celebration of diversity."
Jim Osborne, who attended elementary and junior high school with Shepard
in Casper, fought back tears in calling for a law that gay-rights activists
say might have helped prevent Shepard's death.
"If his death leads to passage of hate-crimes legislation in Wyoming, it
will be a bittersweet footnote in our state's history," said Osborne. "The
eyes of the world are on Laramie, Wyoming, now. And we must continue to make
every effort to prove to the watching world that this type of wanton
disrespect for life and a young man's potential beyond anyone's knowledge
simply must not take place."
Two men, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney, have been charged in
Shepard's murder.
MATTHEW SHEPARD MEDICAL UPDATE
for 4:30 a.m. October 12, 1998
The following information was released by Rulon Stacey, CEO and president of
Poudre Valley Hospital, at a press conference at 4:30 a.m. October 12 at the
hospital.
At 12 midnight on Monday, October 12, Matthew Shepard's blood pressure began
to drop.
We immediately notified his family who were already at the hospital.
At 12:53 a.m. Matthew Shepard died, his family was at his bedside.
Summary:
Matthew arrived at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, in critical condition.
Matthew remained in critical condition during his entire stay at Poudre
Valley Hospital.
During his stay, efforts to improve his condition proved to no avail.
Matthew died while on full life support measures.
Funeral arrangements are pending, and we will announce those arrangements on
our website as soon as they are available at www.pvhs.org, under the PVHS NEWS
toolbar.
Please do not call the hospital for this information; we will post the
information on this web site as soon as we find out.
The family did release the following statement, "We would like to thank the
hospital for their kindness, professionalism, sympathy, and respect for the needs of our
family under this stressful time. We will always be grateful for their concern for
Matthew."
The family again asked me to express their sincere gratitude to the entire
world for the overwhelming response for their son. During the last 24 hours we have
received nearly 2000 e-mails from every continent, and, our Website, which normally receives 100 hits a day, received thousands of hits on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to forward to the family any e-mail we receive. The e-mail address is mshepard@libra.pvh.org.
The family has again asked that no flowers be sent but rather that people
send donations to the Matthew Shepard memorial fund at:
c/o First National Bank
PO Box 578
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Account No. 1926083
The family was grateful they did not have to make a decision regarding
whether or not to continue life support for their son. Like a good son, he was caring to the
end and removed guilt or stress from the family.
He came into the world premature and left the world premature.
Matthew's mother said, "Go home, give your kids a hug and don't let a day go
by without telling them you love them."
Matthew's family is so grateful that his last words to them were, "I love
you." This was said when the family went to Saudi Arabia where they work for an oil
company.
For intimate, and occasionally thought-provoking, coverage of the story
that you probably won't find in the mainstream press, check out the
University of Wyoming student newspaper, The Branding Iron, which posts
a 7-part special report at: http://bi.wyo.edu
The hospital is posting reports on Matthew's Condition on its web site at http://www.pvhs.org
by Jay O'Brien
BI correspondent
The Albany County courthouse was
packed when three of the four
suspects were arraigned Oct. 9 in
connection with the attempted
murder of a UW student in an
apparent hate crime attack.
Since the Oct. 8 press conference a
fourth suspect has been arrested.
Charges were officially filed against
Russell Arthur Henderson, 21,
Chastity Vera Pasley, 20, and
Aaron James McKinney, 22.
Henderson and McKinney, the most
recently apprehended, have been
charged with three felony counts of
kidnapping, aggravated robbery and
attempted first degree murder of
Matthew Shepard, and Pasley and
Kristen Leann Price have been
charged with accessory after the fact
to attempted first degree murder.
Shepard and Pasley are both UW
students.
Albany County Judge Robert Castor
read the list of charges which include
attempted first degree murder.
Reading from court documents,
Castor said Shepard was "struck in
the head with a pistol," and the
suspects allegedly "beat him, while
he begged for his life."
Walt Boulden, a friend of Shepard,
said after the Oct. 8 press
conference, "My understanding was
that the perpetrators led him to
believe they were gay, and he said
that he was."
Jim D. Osborn, the adviser of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Trans-gender Association
(LGBTA), said, "It was a hate
crime, he was beaten for no other
reason than he was gay."
Albany County Sheriff Gary Puls
said Shepard was found by two
bicyclists on Snowy Mountain View
Road Oct. 7 at 6:22 p.m., hanging
from a buck fence, beaten and
unconscious.
Shepard is unconscious and in
critical condition at Poudre Valley
Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. A
release from Poudre Valley Hospital
said Shepard remains on a
ventilator.
"If [Shepard] does pass away it will
be first degree murder," Puls said
Oct. 8.
A credit card and patten-leather
shoes, which belonged to Shepard,
were found in a pick-up along with
the a .357 magnum covered with
blood. The pick-up belonged to
McKinney's father. Shepard's wallet
was also found hidden in
McKinney's house, according to
court documents Castor read.
Henderson and McKinney both
could face life in prison for the
attempted murder, 20 years to life in
prison for kidnapping and five to 25
years for aggravated robbery. If
Shepard were to die, the suspects
could be given life in prison or the
death penalty if convicted of murder
in the first degree.
Pasley's bond was set at $30,000,
and Henderson and McKinney's
bonds have been set at $100,000
each.
Henderson and McKinney will
appear in court Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. for
a preliminary hearing, and Pasley,
who waived her arraignment, will
appear in court Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.
No comment was given in regard to
the conditions of Price's legal
position.
Osbourn said the "incident comes as
a great shock," LGBTA is continuing
the next week's Gay Awareness
Week activities.
"I do not want to turn Matt into a
martyr," he said. "I respect him too
much for that."
Last Updated at 7:02 PM, October 9, 1998
Matthew Shepard Medical Update
Saturday, October 10, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
MEDICAL UPDATE
October 10, 1998
The following 9 p.m. October 10 medical update was given by Rulon Stacey,
President and CEO of Poudre Valley Health System. This was distributed to
members of the media present at the time at Poudre Valley Hospital and will
be FAXed to reporters as they call until the next medical update is
distributed at about 9 a.m. October 11.
Since our last medical update at 3 p.m. October 10, Matthew Shepard has
remained in critical condition.
Matthew is in the surgical-neuro intensive care unit in our Regional
Neuroscience Center located within the hospital. He remains in critical
condition with severe head injuries. Respiratory support continues to be
provided. He remains on a ventilator.
Matthew came to us on October 7 from Ivinson Hospital in Laramie by way of
ambulance. He was admitted in critical condition at approximately 9:15 p.m.
October 7. When he arrived, he was unresponsive and breathing support was
being provided.
_________
The following is medical information from Poudre Valley Hospital. It was
released by Rulon Stacey at the medical update at 3 p.m. October 10.
Matthewís major injuries upon arrival consisted of hypothermia and a
fracture from behind his head to just in front of the right ear. This has
caused bleeding in the brain, as well as pressure on the brain. There were
also approximately a dozen small lacerations around his head, face and neck.
Matthew has a massive brain stem injury. The brain stem controls vital
signs, such as heart beat, body temperature and other involuntary functions.
Matthewís temperature has fluctuated over the last 24 hours, ranging from
98 to 106 degrees. We have had difficulty controlling his temperature.
Hospital actions have included the surgeon inserting an intraventicular
drain into his brain to relieve pressure by draining spinal fluid. The
drain remains in and functional.
We are also continuing to control Matthewís temperature. He remains on a
ventilator which is assisting his breathing.
__________
We have also received many phone calls from Internet users who asked that
an e-mail site be established so they can send electronic get-well cards
and messages to Matthew. We established the site at 10 p.m. on October 10.
The address is "mshepard@libra.pvh.org"
Well-wishers have also sent many flowers to Matthew. Again, the parents
extend their sincere thank you.
The parents ask that, in lieu of sending flowers, people contribute to a
fund that was set up October 9 in Matthewís name. Donations can be sent to:
Fund for the Benefit of Matthew Shepard
c/o First National Bank
P.O. Box 578
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Account No. 1926083.
__________
Matthewís current medical condition and selected information from this web
site are also recorded on voice mail: (970) 495-7032. We ask that people,
including the media, rely on the web site and the voice mail to track
Matthewís condition.
Matthew Shepard Medical Update
Saturday, October 10, 1998
Matthew’s parents arrived at 7 p.m. October 9 and are now at his bed side.
The parents and other family members who are present strongly request no
interviews with the media and they ask that their privacy is respected.
The following statement from the parents was read to members of the media
waiting outside of the hospital at 6 p.m. October 10. The parents chose not
to read the statement, so it was read by Rulon Stacey, president and CEO of
Poudre Valley Health System, at their request.
"First of all, we want to thank the American public for their kind thoughts
about Matthew and their fond wishes for his speedy recovery. We appreciate
your prayers and good will, and we know they are something Matthew would
appreciate, too.
"Matthew is a very special person, and everyone can learn important lessons
from his life. All of us who know Matthew see him as he is, a very kind and
gentle soul. He is a strong believer in humanity and human rights. He is a
trusting person who takes everybody at face value and he does not see the
bad side of anyone.
"His one intolerance is when people don’t accept others as they are. He has
always strongly felt that all people are the same—regardless of their
sexual preference, race or religion.
"We know he believes that all of us are part of the same family called
Humanity, and each and everyone of us should treat all people with respect
and dignity, and that each of us has the right to live a full and rewarding
life. That is one lesson which we are very certain he would share with you,
if he could.
"Matthew also feels strongly about family. He is a loving son, brother and
grandson who has made our own lives much richer and fuller than what we
would have experienced without him.
"Matthew’s life has often been a struggle in one way or another. He was
born prematurely, and he struggled to survive as an infant. He is
physically short in stature but we believe he is a giant when it comes to
respecting the worth of others. We know that he thinks if he can make one
person’s life better in this world, then he has succeeded. That is a
measure of success which Matthew has always pursued.
"Matthew very much enjoys the outdoors and camping, and he has always loved
acting in the theatre—he started acting in community theatre at the age of
5. Acting and the theatre arts are skills at which Matthew excels.
"He knows he’s not the best athlete in the world but he has a very
competitive spirit. One time he participated in the Wyoming State Games. He
had a respectable finish in a running competition and then he decided to
compete in a swimming event. He did this even though he knew he would
likely finish last. Which he did. Afterwards, he acknowledged to us that he
knew his chances of winning were far from good but he wasn’t going to let
that stop him from trying. That’s Matthew’s lesson for all of us—it’s
lesson that we hope everyone takes to heart.
"Matthew has traveled all over the world. He speaks three languages:
English, German and Italian. He loves Europe, but he also loves Laramie and
the University of Wyoming. We feel that, if he was giving this statement
himself, he would emphasize he does not want the horrible actions of a few
very disturbed individuals to mar the fine reputations of Laramie or the
university.
"Finally, we would like to thank the sheriff’s department of Albany County,
Wyoming, and Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins for their very
professional efforts on Matthew’s behalf.
"We also have a special request for the members of the media. Matthew is
very much in need of his family at this time, and we ask that you respect
our privacy, as well as Matthew’s so we can concentrate all of our efforts,
thoughts and love on our son.
"Thank you very much."
__________
Approximately two to three dozen calls have come into the hospital from
people in Colorado and around the nation who have extended offers of
donations and other support, such as legal and counseling support. The
parents extend their very sincere thank you for these offers of support.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 10, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I was deeply grieved by the act of violence perpetrated against
Matthew Shepard of Wyoming.
The Justice Department has assured me that local law enforcement
officials are proceeding diligently to bring those responsible to justice.
And I am determined that we will do everything we can and offer whatever
assistance is appropriate.
Hillary and I ask that your thoughts and your prayers be with Mr.
Shepard and his family, and with the people of Laramie, Wyoming. In the
face of this terrible act of violence, they are joining together to
demonstrate that an act of evil like this is not what our country is all
about. In fact it strikes at the very heart of what it means to be an
American and at the values that define us as a Nation. We must all reaffirm
that we will not tolerate this.
Just this year there have been a number of recent tragedies across our
country that involve hate crimes. The vicious murder of James Byrd last
June in Jasper, Texas and the assault this week on Mr. Shepard are only
among the most horrifying examples.
Almost one year ago I proposed that Congress enact the Hate Crimes
Prevention Act. Our Federal laws already punish some crimes committed
against people on the basis of race or religion or national origin, but we
should do more. This crucial legislation would strengthen and expand the
ability of the Justice Department to prosecute hate crimes by removing
needless jurisdictional requirements for existing crimes and by giving
Federal prosecutors the power to prosecute hate crimes committed because of
the victim's sexual orientation, gender, or disability. All Americans
deserve protection from hate.
There is nothing more important to the future of this country than our
standing together against intolerance, prejudice, and violent bigotry. It
is not too late for Congress to take action before they adjourn and pass
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act. By doing so they will help make all
Americans more safe and secure.
30-30-30
Apparently Matthew Shepard is brain dead. But family and doctors are
hesitant about doing anything, probably for more than one reason but one is
that it would be very difficult convicting the assailants for a death that
involved pulling the plug.
This from Colorado:
"About a dozen calls have come into the hospital from people in Colorado and
around the nation who have extended offers of donations and support. The
parents extend their very sincere thank you for this support and the kind
best wishes of people. The parents ask that in lieu of sending flowers people
contribute to a fund that was set up today in Matthew’s name. Donations can
be
sent to:
Fund for the Benefit of Matthew Shepard
c/o First National Bank
P.O. Box 578
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Account No. 1926083
........updates will be kept current throughout tonight and posted on this
web site.
The condition is also provided on voice mail: (970) 495-7032. We ask that
people, including the media, rely on these two services if you need to track
Matthew’s condition throughout the night.
Note: A special voice mail telephone line has been set-up for condition
updates. The voice mail will provide the same information listed here. The
number is (970) 495-7032. "
News also available at the Denver Post.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/shep1010.htm
{REPORT # 7}
Gephardt Statement on Beating Victim Matthew Shepard
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The House Minority Leader Richard
A.Gephardt today issued the following statement:
"My thoughts and prayers today are with Matthew Shepard and his family. I
was sickened to learn of the brutal attack Matthew suffered -- an attack at
the hands of people whose apparent motive was that he is a gay man.
"This heinous crime deserves the condemnation of all Americans. Hate crimes
such as this and the June murder of James Byrd in Texas are violent acts
motivated by intolerance and hatred. I trust that those responsible for this
horrendous attack will be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the
law and firmly believe that we must pass the tough hate crimes legislation
pending in the Congress to help stop these despicable acts."
SOURCE Office of the House Minority Leader
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