Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action, is urging America to oppose legislation that ultimately could strip away the right of Christians to express a biblical view of homosexuality.
He's asking a quarter-million Americans to quickly sign a petition in opposition to the bill. A floor vote is scheduled in the U.S. House on Thursday.
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act – H.R. 1592 in the House and S. 1105 in the Senate – would mandate additional federal penalties for crimes involving sexual orientation or gender identity.
While the 14th Amendment guarantees every citizen equal protection under the law, this legislation would give those with same-sex attraction a greater measure of protection than heterosexuals. It attempts to place sexual orientation on par with race, enshrining homosexuality in federal law as a civil rights issue.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said the bill “creates a caste system within American society.”
“The bill is most notable for the millions of Americans it leaves out,” he said, “meaning if you or I are a victim of a violent crime – we matter less.”
Gary Schneeberger, senior media director of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action, said such “a two-tiered justice system” could erode freedom of speech – and ultimately lead to pastors being arrested “for 'inciting violence' simply for saying what the Bible says about homosexuality."
Peter Brandt, senior director of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action, said some people who have contacted their lawmakers have heard a contradictory message.
“While the language in the bill does not specifically name religious speech," he said, "what it does do is lay a foundation that gay activists can use to further an agenda seeking to silence anyone who questions homosexuality – and that especially means Christians."
With the vote less than 24 hours away, Schneeberger said it has never been more important to speak out on this issue.
“We know from their e-mails to their supporters that homosexual activists are getting nervous about the number of pro-family folks who are telling Congress they don't want this law,” he said.
Schneeberger said the petition is an additional way to take a stand for religious freedom.
“Even if you've already called, even if you've already sent an e-mail, sign the petition, too,” he urged. “Every signature represents a voice that could tip this vote in our favor."
Lawmakers take note when they hear from large numbers of people, Schneeberger said.
“What we need to do today and tomorrow," he said, "is to show them the overwhelming numbers of Americans who know this is a bad law."
TAKE ACTION
Contact your lawmakers and let them know you oppose the so-called "hate-crimes" bill. If you are a CitizenLink Daily Update subscriber, click on the blue "Take Action" button in the e-mail to be automatically logged in to our Action Center. Otherwise, click on this link.
Then visit the Focus Petitions Web site and add your name to the list of those opposed to this egregious bill.
(Paid for by Focus on the Family Action)
