''We believe this is a poison pill, poisonous enough that we refuse to be blackmailed into voting for a piece of social agenda that has no place in this bill.'' -- Todd Akin, R-MO

''The idea that we're going to pass a law that's going to add further charges to someone based on what they may have been thinking, I think is wrong.'' -- John Boehner, R-OH

''It is just simply wrong to use a bill designed to support our troops to reverse the very freedoms for which they fight.'' -- Mike Pence, R-IN

''This is radical social policy that ... is being put on the defense authorization bill, on the backs of our soldiers, because they probably can't pass it on its own.'' -- John Boehner, R-OH

Several leading Republican Congressman reacting to the passage of ''The Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act'' which has been attached to a military funding bill. Despite these congressman's inability to understand or acknowledge the unique nature of criminals who specifically target minority populations, the measure passed in the House of Representatives -- nearly 2 to 1, with a vote of 281 for (237 Democrats, 44 Republicans) to 146 against (15 Democrats, 131 Republicans). It is expected by many to pass the US Senate as well. (New York Times) (Washington Post)

The bill is named in memory of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming, who was targeted for robbery, then brutally beaten and tied to a fence in the cold. Metro Weekly recently interviewed his mother, Judy Shepard. She is scheduled to be a speaker at this Sunday's Equality March at the US Capitol. The date also marks the 11th observance of Matthew's passing. Not coincidentally, a vigil was held in October of 1998 on the lawn of the Capitol, at which Ellen DeGeneres and others gave impassioned speeches condemning his murder. (Matthew Shepard Foundation)

A play made about the death of Matthew Shepard often comes under fire when schools choose to produce it around the country. And a TV movie was also made about his story in 2002.