Lost in all the hubbub last week about the National Equality March, Judy Shepard appeared on Ellen to talk about her son Matthew, how her life has changed and how far we’ve come. Unfortunately we still have a long way to go. Be sure to watch all the way to the end…

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Judy Shepard announced the introduction of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act as part of the Department of Defense Authorization Bill. Watch:

The legislation will be voted on later this week. Please contact your Senator and urge them to pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

We had the good fortune yesterday to meet Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, at a “meet and greet” here in San Francisco for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. She is a extraordinarily kind and brave woman who deserves all our thoughts this Mothers Day.

I would encourage everyone who is able to donate to her Foundation which is doing wonderful work in fighting hate and promoting LGBT equality.

State Senator Mike Leno, Top Chef contestant Jennifer Biesty and local entertainer Donna Sachet were also in attendance. A few snapshots from the event are below.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx has issued another statement regarding her hoax comment about Matthew Shepard’s murder.

From WXII12 News:

“In the heat of trying to handle the rule on the floor, anybody can use a bad choice of words. Saying that the event was a hoax was a poor choice of words,” Foxx said. “I’ve apologized for that. I never meant in any way to harm the family or offend the family or anybody else for that matter.”

…

“It is very unfortunate that these calls have come in. I would say 99 percent of them are from outside the district and it is unfortunate that people have taken this position,” she said.

Foxx sent a letter of apology to Shepard’s mother, who was present when the comments were made. On Thursday, Judy Shepard reacted to Foxx’s comments. “She’s apologizing for semantics,” Judy Shepard said.

“What I hope my constituents know is that I’m in Washington ever day that I’m required to be there, working hard for them, doing the best to make sure that the federal government doesn’t take away their rights and their money,” Foxx said, when asked how she would respond to her constituents.

Hat tip to New Civil Rights Movement for breaking the story and his cogent response.