The mother of Matthew Shepard, Judy Shepard told Good Day Wednesday morning she feels things have gotten better since her son died in 1998, but she says there's also still much work to be done.
Shepard, who's is the co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, appeared on Good Day Wednesday morning before she was set to give the keynote address at the Hate Crime Conference at the National Constitution Center.
Shepard lost her son in 1998 when he was murdered for being gay. Matthew Shepard was a student of the University of Wyoming when he was killed.
Judy Shepard says expanded laws such as the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which include sexual orientation and gender identity, have served as a giant step forward in the United States.
Shepard says hate is a learned behavior, which is why education and tolerance are critical.
Although its been more than 10-years since Shepard lost her son, she says dealing with the pain hasn't gotten any easier. However, she believes the work she and others are doing is critical and is something her son would have wanted.
You can watch the full interview with Shepard in the video above. We've also added links to the right of this story to help you learn more about the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the expanded laws.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:09 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:09:40 GMT
Tuesday was National Waitstaff day across the United States. FOX29's own Jenn Frederick stopped into Bob's in Roxborough Tuesday morning to help serve those who normally serving others.
National Waitstaff Day is celebrated locally at Bob's in Roxborough.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-05-17 10:59:32 GMT
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey last October.The beloved shore towns of so many millions were battered.Businesses were destroyed. Homes were demolished. Many tears were shed.But,
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey last October.The beloved shore towns of so many millions were battered.Businesses were destroyed. Homes were demolished. Many tears were shed.But,
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:45:47 GMT
One of the top football prospects in Pennsylvania is giving up a free ride to college. Hear the reason why, in his own words, he'd rather run into a recording studio than into the end zone.
One of the top football prospects in Pennsylvania is giving up a free ride to college. Hear the reason why, in his own words, he'd rather run into a recording studio than into the end zone.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:58 AM EDT2013-05-15 13:58:24 GMT
It was early in the morning when Kacie and Jenn set out for the Jersey shore - Matoloking to be exact. The mission was to catch Prince Harry's eye - maybe meet and chat with the Prince. Kacie diligently
It was early in the morning when Kacie and Jenn set out for the Jersey shore - Matoloking to be exact. The mission was to catch Prince Harry's eye - maybe meet and chat with the Prince. Kacie diligently
Matthew Shepard was murdered in 1998 for being gay. (AP Photo)
