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Dr. Dobson, Pro-life Groups Warn Sexual Orientation "Hate Crime" Law Threatens Religious Freedom

Christian leaders urge President Bush to veto legislation

By Gudrun Schultz

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 2, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A proposed "hate crimes" law that would impose special federal penalties against crimes related to sexual orientation is being denounced as a serious risk to freedom of religion in the US, as Congress prepares to vote on the measure.

Passed by the House Judiciary Committee last week, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would give special considerations to "hate crimes" committed against those engaging in homosexual activity and people who consider themselves transgendered or bisexual. Dr. James Dobson,  founder of Focus on the Family Action, told CitizenLink the bill's backers are hiding the "true intent of the legislation," which he said is an attempt to "muzzle people of faith who dare to express their moral and biblical concerns about homosexuality."

Dr. Dobson pointed out that a proposed amendment to include protection for religious freedom in the bill was gunned down by Democrats.

"What is at stake here is freedom of speech and the expression of conscience," Dr. Dobson said, "and without a huge outcry from the public expressed to the House, Senate and the White House, it will become law."

Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, in a BreakPoint Commentary warned that similar laws in England, Sweden and Canada have already resulted in the prosecution of Christians for hate crimes when they objected to homosexuality.

"If this dangerous law passes, pastors who preach sermons giving the biblical view of homosexuality could be prosecuted," Colson stated. "Christian businessmen who refuse to print pro-gay literature could be prosecuted. Groups like Exodus International, which offer therapy to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, could be shut down."

Concerned Women for America have asked President Bush to veto the proposed legislation. Matt Barber, CWA’s Policy Director for Cultural Issues, stated, “Attempts by Republicans to make this legislation more inclusive by adding additional classes of citizens such as children, members of the military, the elderly or the homeless were refused by congressional liberals in committee last week. That refusal underscores the exclusionary and discriminatory nature of this bill. H.R. 1592 unequivocally treats one class of citizens preferentially over others."

“Perhaps most frightening is the fact that liberal legislators have refused any amendment which would substantively protect religious expression in association with this legislation. Similar laws have been used around the world — and right here at home — to silence opposition to the homosexual lifestyle. That refusal speaks volumes about the true agenda behind this legislation, which is to grant official government recognition to both homosexual and cross-dressing behaviors, and to silence opposition to those behaviors."

Mr. Colson and Dr. Dobson are urging concerned US citizens to contact their representatives in Congress and ask them to vote against the bill.

See previous LifeSiteNews coverage:
U.S. House to Vote on Special “Hate Crime” Protection for Sexual Orientation
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/feb/07022108.html

Democrats Refuse Religious Freedom Amendment to Hate Crimes Bill
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/apr/07042601.html

CWA Claims Fake “Hate Crimes” Being Used to Force Legislation through Congress
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/apr/07041107.html

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