Hate Speech Law in the USA Could Restrict Religious Freedom

04/21/09 USA (International Christian Concern) - ICC has learned that the U.S. House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on a bill tomorrow that could allow federal officials to prosecute Christians who teach that homosexual behavior is sinful and that Islam is a false religion.

H.R. 1913, the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009," is an insidious effort by homosexual activists to silence opposition to their lifestyle. Couched in language that prohibits "hate crimes" motivated by the victim's race, color, or religion is language that prosecutes violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The real problem is that in classifying such acts as federal "hate crimes," a pastor who preached against homosexuality could be prosecuted the same as someone who committed a violent act against a homosexual. This is because Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code, Section 2 (a) says:

Whoever commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal.
- 18 USC Sec. 2

Jeff King, ICC's President, said, "H.R. 1913 is a backdoor tool from the far left and radical homosexuals to shut down legitimate free speech from Christians and others who oppose their lifestyle. It is political payback from the new administration to the homosexual lobby, and could have radical ramifications. Pastors in Europe and Canada have already been arrested for preaching against homosexuality based on similar legislation. However, Christians are acting like the proverbial frog in the kettle. They need to wake up and take action to oppose this threat to religious liberty."

Please call your Representative in Congress today to tell them that you oppose H.R. 1913, and ask them to vote against it. You can find your Representative by visiting www.house.gov.