The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote soon on legislation that would create a new class of crimes based on the traits of the victim, including "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."
Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., introduced the so-called hate-crimes bill — S.909 — last week. The U.S. House has already passed similar legislation.
"There is no evidence of an epidemic of sexual-orientation 'hate crimes' in this country," said Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst at Focus on the Family Action. "So, what's the real reason for this bill? Gay activists want to silence those who speak out against homosexuality."
If the legislation passes, pastors could be prosecuted under the federal inducement statute for preaching the biblical view of homosexuality. For example, a person could commit an act of violence against a homosexual individual and blame it on the pastor's sermon.
Also concerning is the fact that House Democrats voted down an amendment to their bill that would have excluded pedophilia from the definition of “sexual orientation."
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Please ask your U.S. senators to oppose S.909. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
