HRC UNVEILS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FEATURING FATHER OF MATTHEW SHEPARD TO COMBAT HATE CRIMES

Dennis Shepard Asks Americans To 'Choose to Understand', Says HRC

DENVER - On the eve of father's day weekend The Human Rights Campaign released a new public service announcement today featuring Dennis Shepard, father of University of Wyoming hate crimes victim Matthew. The PSA, which was unveiled today at a Denver news conference, seeks to combat hate crimes and increase open-mindedness, and asks Americans to "choose to understand", HRC says.

"We felt it was important to hear a message of understanding and love from a father," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "True understanding starts with education, and I think this PSA will enlighten people and challenge their thinking about gay issues."

The PSA, intertwines footage from Matthew's life with a scene from the trial of one of the two men convicted of murdering him. In the video, Dennis Shepard speaks from the heart about his relationship with his son and challenges the audience to be more accepting of gay and lesbian Americans. According to the PSA's text:

"Matthew Shepard died after he was beaten and tied to a fence," says the announcer. "Two men have been charged, one pleaded guilty." "You know my biggest regret?" asks Shepard. "After walking into the hospital and seeing him, was I didn't tell him enough, as a father, that I loved him. The thing that I have learned most is that your son is your son, and your daughter is your daughter ... regardless of whether they're gay or straight." The video ends with the tag line, "choose to understand."

"Hate crimes destroy families, inject fear into entire communities and destabilize America," said Birch. "We hope this PSA unifies people and vividly shows that differences should be respected rather than feared. In our diverse country, I cannot think of a more important and timely message than that courageously offered by Dennis Shepard."

An earlier HRC PSA aired across the country featured Judy Shepard, Matthew's mother, about the need to fight hate crimes. Both PSAs are available for viewing at www.hrc.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.