Dennis Shepard's courtroom speech

On October 6, 2008 it will be ten years since Matthew Shepard was the victim of a violent anti-gay hate crime on the outskirts Laramie, Wyoming. On October 12, 2008 it will be ten years since Matthew Shepard succumbed to the atrocious injuries he incurred.

At the conclusion of one of his killer's trials on November 4, 1999, Matthew's father, Dennis, delivered a moving speech in open court.

The audio that is heard in this video was inspired by that speech -- it is a adaptation & dramatization of Mr. Shepard's courtroom statement. It is an audio excerpt from the 2002 HBO film "The Laramie Project" in which Terry Kinney played the part of Dennis Shepard.

Mr. Shepard's full speech/statement can be read here:
http://www.wiredstrategies.com/mrshep.htm

Another very moving delivery of this speech from a stage setting, performed by Cory Richards, can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et3uxZCr1v4

To learn more please visit
http://www.matthewshepard.org/

Many states have their own hate crimes legislation, but there are several that do not. It has been a long battle to try to a get a federal bill that includes LGBT citizens and we're not there yet -- please write your senators and congressperson to let them know it is important. Senator Kennedy has been spearheading a bill and has been doing a great job. The cause must continue.



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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Dennis
• Matthew
• Judy
• Shepard
• Laramie
• Wyoming
• gay
• hate
• crime
• murder
• courtroom
• speech

[Teeny123abc]

@rsb176 You sick fuck - this guy was killed - even if you dont agree with his lifestyle but you cannot condone the agony and fear he must have had to endure and the pain his family have gone through. How can you condone an atrocity such as that.

[tylorluvsdegrassi]

In class we have to do monolouges and i choose this one. I think this will be the most powerful performances i can deliver, but very hard. I really have to get into my emotions with this one

[lukosius1221]

You know what I can't understand...which seems smth I trully find inscredibly disgusting is how horrible hating people spread their hate on others in a place where they should show respect and understanding. This man has lost his son in a uncomprehensively brutal animal like act, for which they deserve death penalty, but for some of you to come here, listen to this man speech and show absolutely no support, no empathy...you are disgusting human being and God hates you.

[got2luvs]

how can i watch the leramie project online for free without having to download? can anyone help me?

[jch19780]

well i have read all the comments posted here and it seems to me that everyone can just agree to disagree on certin matters. not everyone will like or dislike the same views as another. do i agree with what happened to mat, absolutely not. do i expect to change someones view on it, not even going to try. so guess we can all just agree to disagree

[MrDogdays71]

@sta143dat Unconditional love????Geez, amazing vitriole you sent me and I am a PFLAG member who thinks what happened to Matthew was horrible. 

[1caninelover]

@sta143dat God does not make mistakes; the gay twin brother I was born with was not a mistake. Loving man who was embittered by the abuse he suffered when young young but our family accepted him totally.

[sta143dat]

Hmmm, the longer I choose to respond to your comments the more it takes away from putting my efforts to spreading the unconditional love God has for ALL people.I encourage ALL to turn a deaf ear to this misguided fool&use your passion for supporting our right to be ourselves towards something that actually will make a difference.Responding to this person only fuels a fire that could be used in a more productive way.God's 2 greatest commandments:Love God&love others.Love U rsb176 I'll pray 4 U!

[rsb176]

@sta143dat Do you believe anyone cares what comes out of your mouth! You need too go fuck yourself and get the real message! You remain blind too the real word of God because you're a faggot that translates for your own satisfaction because you dont want too see that you're an abomination! Faggots are all the same twist and turn things so can can feel like their life is honest and whole when in fact you're fucking sick!

[sta143dat]

@rsb176 Since its impossible to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man I believe this conversation will have to come to an end. Have fun in your lost world. I have a peace that surpasses all understanding. I don't expect someone like you to comprehend that. It's a shame you will never experience that either.