As one native of Laramie points out, "Honey, it's still all about Laramie."" Matthew Shepard's story was made into a theatre production, which then became the film "The Laramie Project- in 2002. The film stars Peter Fonda, Janeane Garofalo, Clea DuVall, Joshua Jackson, and many other very talented actors. Matthew's friends, family, and the world mourned his death that day and many will never forget.
Finally in the 21st century, activists have been trying to have the government grant the rights that heterosexual couples have for gay couples. Yet, even with all of the commotion raised the government seems to resist. Our neighbor to the North, Canada, is already ahead in the equality movement. They have recognized that same sex couples are as deserving of the same equal rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. Most people think that the United States resists joining Canada because of religious reasons, mostly from members of the church. But the truth is, the marriage issue is completely economical. If gay couples were aloud to get married in America and receive the benefits of straight people, it would cost the country billions of dollars. Providing GLBT couples with same legal rights, protections and recognition enjoyed by married heterosexual couples is an important and vital step on the road towards creating a nation where the principals of liberty, equality and dignity for every person are not only written or spoken, but truly shared by us all. The government will not only condemn laws for homosexual marriage, but also will not even grant federal job protection. That means that gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender people can be fired for their sexual orientation in 36 states in this country.
No matter what anyone believes in or what he or she looks like, everyone should be treated equally. You don't need to see size, race, intelligence, sex, religion, or the hundred other things that people use to make choices about people.