Gettin’ the S--- Done!

President Barack Obama, it’s time to prove your mettle, if for no other reason than to get Lady GaGa off your back.

The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation today that, at long frakkin’ last, would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. The expanded federal hate crimes law now has gone to the POTUS’ desk.

Proving that yes, he can, Obama has pledged to sign the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill.

The measure is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year.

“Knowing that the president will sign it, unlike his predecessor [George W. Bush], has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile,” said Judy Shepard, board president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation named for her son. “Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly, and they need to know that their government will protect them from violence, and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families.”

The time – the future – is right now. Do your people proud, Obama.

Photo: Time.com.