Cyndi Lauper Praises Obama's Anti-Hate Crime Bill

Cyndi Lauper has praised U.S. President Barack Obama for pushing through a bill to prevent hate crimes - insisting the new law will protect her fans from discrimination.

Obama passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act on Wednesday (28Oct09), which punishes assault based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Lauper, a vocal supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (Lgbt) community, is delighted the long campaign for the law has finally been rewarded, praising the president for defending gay rights and urging politicians to rethink laws regarding same-sex marriage.

She says in a statement to Just Jared.com, "As a straight ally and as a person with many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family members, friends and fans, I want to thank (everyone involved) in the 11 year struggle to get the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Prevention Bill enacted.

"Finally, with President Obama's signature, violent hate crimes against the Lgbt community will be recognised and prosecuted. This is only the beginning, I believe that the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, will soon be here. Today, that light at the end of the tunnel for the Lgbt civil rights movement is much brighter."