(Photo credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images North America)

Contact:
Fatima Khan, (617) 216-7089, [email protected]

Statement by Farhana Khera, Executive Director of Muslim Advocates and Panelist at the White House Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act Anniversary Event

“The lives of James Byrd Jr. and Matthew Shepard were precious, and their murderers not only robbed them and their families, but they also scarred all of America.  Today, as we join hands and honor these men’s lives and the hate crimes bill they inspired, we also recognize that with increased hate crimes against Muslims and others based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation, increased federal resources and leadership is needed to stem the tide of hate crimes. Muslim Advocates is pleased to join our colleagues in the civil rights community at the White House today, as we observe the fifth anniversary of the enactment of this important expansion of federal protections.”

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Muslim Advocates is a national legal advocacy and educational organization working on the frontlines of civil rights to guarantee freedom and justice for Americans of all faiths. Through high impact lawsuits, policy advocacy, and community education, Muslim Advocates serves as a resource to empower communities and ensures that the American Muslim community is heard by the courts and leaders at the highest level of government.  Visit Muslim Advocates at www.muslimadvocates.org and follow @muslimadvocates.