GLSEN Works with Congresswoman Capps, Senator Feinstein on Resolution Remembering Lawrence King

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2009 – Congresswoman Lois Capps and Senator Dianne Feinstein today introduced a resolution co-sponsored by several colleagues to recognize the one year anniversary of the murder of 15-year-old Lawrence King and honor his life.

King was shot and killed in a first period class at E.O. Green Junior High in Oxnard, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2008 because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. The 14-year-old classmate who shot King has been charged with a hate crime.

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, worked with Capp and Feinstein, who represent King’s district, on the resolution.

“GLSEN commends Congresswoman Capp, Senator Feinstein and their colleagues for taking this extraordinary measure to remember the life and death of 15-year-old Lawrence King,” said GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard. “We can only hope that such actions will help create a safer and more respectful environment in our nation’s schools.”

The California State Assembly also adjourned early today in King’s honor.

To learn more about vigils taking place across the country, visit www.rememberinglawrence.org.

Byard also penned an op-ed for Advocate.com, which can be viewed at http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2380.html.