The U.S. Senate passed hate-crimes legislation on Oct. 22. Democrats attached the special legal protections for gays and lesbians to a defense-spending bill.
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., expressed his outrage on the floor of the Senate.
"What type of legislative extortion will they consider next?" he asked. "I have a choice to vote for hate-crimes legislation, that I feel would undermine the very justice system in our country, or vote against the defense of my country."
DeMint said the real danger is what the law may do to people of faith.
"Can priests, pastors and rabbis be sure their preaching will not be prosecuted if it says certain things are right and wrong?" he asked, "Or will this provision serve as a warning to people not to speak out too loudly about their religious views, lest federal agents come knocking at their door?"
— Steve Jordahl
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about hate-crimes legislation.
