Laramie Passes Wyoming’s First LGBT Anti-Discrimination Law 16 Years After Matthew Shepard’s Death

We must never forget what happened to Matthew Shepard. I just get so overwhelmed when I think about the world's capacity for hate. If you feel the same way, I hope you'll take a moment to read this.

On Oct. 6, 1998 the unthinkable happened to University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. Matthew was tortured and left to die in Laramie. Matthew died from those injuries on Oct.12 1998. It has taken until May 2015 for Laramie to pass a law to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.

The ordinance the Laramie city council passed Wednesday night outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public places such as restaurants. The law will go into effect by the end of this month.

Earlier this year, the Wyoming legislature defeated a statewide sexual orientation non-discrimination bill.

Matthew's parents Judy and Dennis have worked tirelessly for all these years to make sure Matthew did not die in vain. I can't imagine the pain they have endured and the loss that never really goes away.

Judy made this statement to the Associated Press:

I'm thrilled that Laramie's doing it, at the same time sort of saddened that the state of Wyoming can't see fit to do that as well," [Judy] Shepard told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday from Washington, D.C. "Maybe the rest of Wyoming will understand this is about fellow human beings and not something that's other than what they are.

I must tell you I support the idea that  #LoveIsLove and I live every day with the hope that we as a Nation will continue to do better to protect everyone's right to be who they are.

Please take the time to check out the Matthew Shepard Foundation.