One of my family members is gay. I have had many gay friends and co-workers over the years, and treasured them the same as anyone else. When Matthew Shepard was killed, I was beside myself - what if he were my family member, my friend, my colleague?

I suppose people can make all the judgments about Matthew Shepard they want, but as for me, I don't know what was in his heart, I don't know what his relationship was with the Almighty. Only God knew that.