Democrats in Congress are pushing to create a new class of crimes based on the victim's "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity."
Under such "hate-crime" laws, pastors could be prosecuted for preaching the biblical view of homosexuality. Similar laws have been used to prosecute religious speech in the U.S. and abroad.
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee is expected to take up the legislation — H.R. 1913 — this week.
Tony Perkins, president of FRC Action, said the legislation "gives one set of crime victims a higher level of protection than it gives to (others)."
"All people deserve to be protected from crime, not just certain groups," he said.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, called the legislation one more assault on traditional values.
“A crime’s a crime; an assault is an assault," he said. "The penalty should be the same for the people doing those terrible things.”
TAKE ACTION
If your U.S. representative serves on the Judiciary Committee, please call the committee — (202) 225-3951 — as well as his or her office and request a vote against the hate-crimes bill.
If your representative does not serve on the committee, please call the committee line — (202) 225-3951.
If you have trouble getting through to Washington, try your lawmaker's district office.
