Obama Signs Hate Crimes Act Into Law

President Obama with Judy Shepard, mother of Mathew Shepard,
in the Oval Office in June 2009

Here are the President's Remarks on the signing of the Defense Reauthorization Act (which included the Mathew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act) today white the White House emailed to its Press List:

Now, speaking of that, there is one more long-awaited change contained within this legislation that I'll be talking about a little more later today. After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are. (Applause.)

I promised Judy Shepard, when she saw me in the Oval Office, that this day would come, and I'm glad that she and her husband Dennis could join us for this event. I'm also honored to have the family of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, who fought so hard for this legislation. And Vicki and Patrick, Kara, everybody who's here, I just want you all to know how proud we are of the work that Ted did to help this day -- make this day possible. So -- and thank you for joining us here today. (Applause.)

The haters are already complaining that Obama didn't use the word gay in his remarks, although he did have aseparate reception later with invited representatives of the LGBT community. No word on whether the White House will also release those remarks.

Pam's House Blend has a summary of reactions from LGBT organizations.