May 01, 2007

Hate Crimes and Religious Freedom

Joe Dallas is the pastor of New Creation Bible Church in the Milwaukee, WI. area. Jesse Lee Peterson is with the Brotherhood Organization for a New Destiny. He's also a talk show host who appeared at a recent VCY America rally.

The "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007", (HR 1592) may be voted on by Congress as early as this Thursday. Concerned Women for America has asked for a veto pledge regarding this legislation from President Bush.

Why is there such great concern among Christians? It's because HR 1592 would grant individuals who engage in homosexual behavior or those who cross-dress, preferential treatment over other citizens by elevating them to special class status.

In addition, there are concerns regarding the meaning of "incitement" under this legislation. In other words, if passed, pastors could be punished merely for preaching against alternative lifestyles if it can be shown that something they said led to a crime against a person from one of the new, protected classes.

More Information

Jesse Lee Peterson's website:
http://www.bondinfo.org

Action Points

To contact your legislators about the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007", (HR 1592):

Capitol Hill Switchboard:
877-851-6437
202-225-3121

To contact the White House about the same bill, especially should it pass Congress:
202-456-1111
202-456-1414