Hatred and bigotry destroy the fabric of the whole society. And hate crimes tear at the very idea of the dignity of each person. Whether gay or straight, black or white, male or female, and regardless of one's religion, all are affected by hate. Hitler was fueled by hate. The Ku Klux Klan was fueled by hate.
Hate has no place in our community, in our commonwealth, or in our country.
Tonight, we hope that good can come from the recent tragedy in Roanoke. Let us work to spread the healing power of love and promote tolerance and understanding. Our unfinished task is to pass the hate crimes bill . . . to send the message that hate is not O.K. . . . We remember tonight Danny Overstreet and the six others who were wounded at the Back Street Caf . We also remember James Byrd, Jr., who was dragged to death because he was black.