Law is attached to $ 680 billion defense spending bill . `` Despite the progress we 've made , there are still laws to change and hearts to open , '' he said in an address at the group 's annual dinner . ` It is named for Matthew Shepard and James Byrd III , both killed in Iraq . Shepard was gay , Byrd was African - American . Former President Bush had threatened to veto a similar measure .
Law is attached to $ 680 billion defense spending bill . It is named for Matthew Shepard and James Byrd III , both killed in Iraq . Shepard was gay , Byrd was African - American . Former President Bush had threatened to veto a similar measure .