'Hate Crimes' Bill Hearings Begins Amid Christian Disapproval
Hearings began Tuesday for a bill that would permit federal punishment for individuals that perform "hate crimes" based on characteristics of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The day also prompted numerous complaints from Christians who disagree with the federal "hate crimes" bill (HR 1592), arguing that it stifles free speech of religion. They are worried that, in the future, their freedom to express their religious beliefs will be interpreted as being "hateful" and thus open to legal consequences.
"This is the most dangerous bill in America," said Janet Folger, president of Faith2Action – an organization that fights society's "culture war," in a statement. "The 'Hate Crimes' bill is better named 'Hate Grandma' or 'Hate Free Speech' bill as it poses a serious threat to the freedom of speech for every American."
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The hearing for HR 1592 was held before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, and had several Christians speak to show their objections to the possible law.
One of the speakers was Brad Daucus, president of the Christian law firm Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), who testified about the problems that have arisen in the past over considered "hate crimes." He cited several examples of "peaceful religious believers" who were stifled over contended "hate speech."
One such example the PJI president noted was the recent efforts made by the Hindu American Foundation. The foundation has attempted to eliminate Christian missions and apologetics websites on the grounds that their unfavorable portrayals of Hinduism are considered to be "hate speech."
"What makes America great is its tolerance for a diversity of viewpoints – even viewpoints we may not agree with," explained Daucus in a statement. "HR 1529 is a smokescreen for stifling dissent on important issues of national debate such as sexual orientation, gender identity and religion.
"This so-called 'hate crime' legislation begins to lay the legal foundation and framework for investigating, prosecuting and persecuting pastors, business owners, and anyone else whose actions reflect their faith – as has already been starkly demonstrated in California, Canada, Europe and Australia. More than ever before, our society needs to heed voices of conscience, not haul them into court."
The problem that many cite with HR 1592 is the strong misuse of the law. They are worried that the proposed law would be enforced too liberally, and any type of disagreement towards another person's lifestyle – such as homosexuals or minority religious observers – would be completely barred.
To protest the bill, Faith2Action began running advertisements on Tuesday about "grandmas" who they felt were unfairly arrested in Philadelphia for sharing their faith.
Several groups around the nation have favored the new proposed legislation, however, noting that a number of groups have been discriminated over their lifestyles. Homosexual groups have felt attacked on a number of levels, especially from religious groups.
"It punishes acts of discrimination, not bigoted beliefs," explained Caroline Fredrickson, director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Washington Legislative Office, in a statement. "This bill demonstrates that it's possible to vigorously pursue criminal civil rights violations without chilling our First Amendment rights."
Others contend that it will not be so clear cut.
"We must stop it," Folger concluded, in a statement, "before they send your grandma, your pastor, or you to jail for sharing your faith or speaking the truth about an agenda that seeks to silence us."
