“This really is about as cynical as it gets.”

Matt Barber of Concerned Women for America expresses what’s on the mind of many pro-family advocates. Levin is threatening important legislation so he can force through a bill giving special rights to homosexuals.

“To hold our troops, and the materials they need and the funding they need, hostage to this radical agenda is incorrigible”

Hate crimes legislation would add crimes committed against someone because of their sexual orientation to a list of offenses that have stiffer penalties. Peter Sprigg of at the Family Research Council says it’s the only way for the bill to have a chance.

“I’m not surprised that Senator Levin is trying to attach the hate crimes bill to another piece of legislation. That just proves it can’t pass on its own.”

Attaching a controversial amendment to a must pass bill is a common tactic, but Sprigg says if this one passes, it could lead to a freedom of speech issue.

“It sends a very serious message, disturbing message, that opposition to homosexuality constitutes hate. And it could well put us on a slippery slope to a day when speech is threatened.”

Barber says the hate crimes bill is unnecessary, because the fourteenth amendment already guarantees all citizens protection under the law.