Hate Crimes Bill " Religious Free Speech"

There has been a quite but large campaign against the dangers of the "Hate Crimes Bill" which is schedule for a hearing this week dispatched more than 700,000 letters to Senators. But the opponents of the proposal say while, the letter campaign has concluded voters still need to be aware of the dangers of the legislation that will be the subject of a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday at 10 a.m. Attorney General Eric Holder who has publicly promoted the bill, S. 909, is listed as the only witness. The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act Of 2009 would provide special protection for homosexuals, essentially designating them as a "protected class". However, it would leave Christian Ministers open to prosecution should there teachings be linked to a subsequent offense, by anyone, against a homosexual person. This could create a chilling affect on religious free speech, connecting innocent expression of religious beliefs or acts of violence against individuals awarded special protections. The criminalization of religious speech, such as speech against homosexuality, has already been seen in other countries with similar hate crimes legislation in place. Rep. Louis Gourmet R-Texas said the fundamental problem with the bill is that it is based on lies. That is where they determine what is on your mind when you commit a crime. That is when the decide what you are thinking...If you were thinking unapproved thoughts, that would make the crime you committed even worse. This act assumes that there is a epidemic of crimes in the United States, especially actions that cross the lines, that is targeting those of alternative lifestyles. Finally, under this new "Hate Crimes Bill" our personal expressions, the books we read, and the friends we have would all become potential evidence against us. The search for evidence would allow law enforcement to investigate and interpret forms of expression and association that had previously enjoyed protection under the First Amendment. Even if there is no prosecution, such investigations could have a chilling affect on free speech. The government does not have to jail or fine citizens to intimidate them from speaking there minds.