The Baptist Press reported that the Senate finalized congressional action on the effort to extend hate crimes protection to homosexuals by passing the controversial proposal Oct. 22 as part of an annual military bill. Senators voted 68-29 for the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. Burying this legislation in a Defense Bill which the liberals knew would be passed without the protest that health care legislation is yet another act of cowardice by the "weak-kneed" politicians in Washington.
The hate crimes bill according to the Baptist Press and many conservative Christians, "could result in threats to the freedoms of those with biblically based convictions regarding homosexual behavior, some of its foes said afterward. The legislation has the "potential for chilling religious speech regarding homosexuality," said Barrett Duke of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)."
These men and women of Congress have once again showed their weak character and complete disregard of the majority of voters in the country. I pray that those who have been offended, put off and ignored by their elected representatives will show up in droves to vote every last one of them out of office in the moths and years ahead.
We need now more than ever governance by people of strong moral character and integrity that are willing to make difficult decisions in the face of strong opposition by deep-pocketed special interests on both sides of the aisle. Our country is in the tank and we are fast heading toward bankruptcy, socialism and widespread poverty if our government continues to take us down the road toward communism.
Shame on us all for electing and keeping these people in office!
Comments
With the passage of the Hate Crimes Bill to extend protection to sexual orientation and people with disabilities, it will prove once AGAIN the Religious Right is blowing smoke. Nothing will happen to fundamentalist preachers or fundamentalist churches or individual 'good ole boy' fundmentalists for what they think, say, publish or foam at the mouth at. Nothing. And all this fear and paranoia will all be revealed to be money-making gimmicks to fleece the gullible sheeple. You can continue to rant and rave from your pull-pitts about the homos, feminazis, islamofascists, liberals, catholics, jews, yada yada yada to your heart’s content. And nothing will happen. Nothing.
This is a HUGE step for civil rights and only barely touches on the injustice that LGBT individuals have endured for too many years. This is only the beginning. Watch in the next 3 years for MUCH more to come. I promise to fight till my dying breathe for FULL equality in ALL areas of federal and state law for the LGBT community. America WILL live up to its promise of Equality For All.
This hates-crime bill is not about freedom and equality its about taking your freedom! What about freedom of speech! Because if this bill I no longer can speak my mind. Congress will take this bill and twist it to their own benefit and you know that. Its not about gays! Wake up people.
Why do "christian" right-ers have such a hard-on for gay people? Why do you go way out of your way to ban our unions, block non-discrimination laws, and be general pains-in-the-asses? I remember back in the 60s, you did the same to black Americans. And before that women...and before that, Mormons...and before that, Catholics. You get the picture. All you're missing are the attack dogs and firehouses and then it will be just like the 'good ole days'. Ah, yes, the good ole days.
"The hate crimes bill according to the Baptist Press and many conservative Christians, 'could result in threats to the freedoms of those with biblically based convictions regarding homosexual behavior',"
Nobody's "religious freedom" gives them the right to engage in violent acts against others, whether they're LGBT or not. The Hate Crimes Bill only addresses violent crime, not words or thoughts. People claiming pastors will be arrested for "preaching the bible" or people will be in danger for thinking gays are perverts are blatant liars.
Kate, r_e_a_d the text of the bill before saying stupid things about it.
A little historical background. The incident that started this bill being written into law took place in Wyoming, where an openly gay man named Matthew Shepherd was severely beaten, and tied to a fence and left to die. It was a terrible crime and a tragedy. As far as I am aware, even back then, there were laws that made it illegal to beat people & tie them to fences. The law did not protect Matthew Shepherd. This new law actually gives no more protection. Interestingly enough, the men who did this to Matthew Shepherd said that they did not comit this crime because he was gay, but rather because he was an "easy target". i do not believe anyone should be treat ed the way Matthew was. I do not believe this new law will stop stupid people from committing crimes any more than any other law we have on the books does. As I said before, these acts were clearly illegal before, are clearly illegal now. And should be. Pastor Bernie Schillo
I want to know the names of the Senators who voted to pass this bill. If the foundations of our nation are removed how shall we stand? Crime is crime. The laws in this nation have protected ALL from violent crimes so why is this law needed? The answer is that it is NOT NEEDED but merely the a way to legislate a politically correct way that we are allowed to think and speak. Slowly at first and now rapidly our freedoms guaranteed by our constitution and bill of rights are being taken from us. We must open our eyes and protect the foundational freedoms that have made our nation great before it is too late! A good law is good for ALL and protects ALL not a MINORITY
.
A few points.
1) If y'all are so against hate crimes laws, then why not get your dominionist buddies to introduce legislation removing Baptists from existing hate crimes laws?
2) There have been these laws in many states (including even Texas) for years. What has happened since then? Basically no one has touched even the most offensive Baptists such as Fred Phelps. Ok, so some extremists went to violate a Gay pride parade without permits and were arrested. And the charges were dropped.
3) Communism? What does that have to do with including Gays in existing hate crimes laws? Please remember that Communists persecuted Gays too.
Let's be consistent and argue for the repeal the already existing hate crimes legislation that protects people based on religion. I mean, it could be used to discriminate and persecute against people who criticize religious bigotry.
Oh wait, that would involve having a backbone and not being hypocritical, something apparently lacking in the modern-day crowd of bible-banging pseudo-Christian fascists.
The crowd that cried "hate crime" after their buildings were vandalized after people reacted negatively to Prop. 8 in California all of a sudden wants to remove the right for others to cry the same when they hang little gay boys up on fences in Wyoming. All too typical for the "do as I say, not as I do" wide-stance in the restroom while visiting their lovers in Argentina and sexually abusing choir boys, holier-than-thou crowd.
They rave on and on how they will be vilified for their verbal attacks on gays while failing to point out that gays will receive simply the same level of rights and protection as themselves.
They neglect to mention that this legislation also protects race and gender. Perhaps because if they trumpeted those two issues, people would actually see them for the bigots that they are. Racism and sexism are not as acceptable prejudices as homophobia is today.
Soon history will show its face and these people who one day be viewed under the same light as racist p
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!