The dangerous, anti-family, anti-faith
Federal "Hate Crimes" Bill
H.R. 1913 would allow the federal government to prosecute any crime "motivated by prejudice" against protected characteristics, including "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" (homosexualilty, cross-dressing and sex changes). Amendments to include protection for pregnant women, unborn babies, the elderly and the military were all defeated. If passed, the law will punish two identical crimes differently because of what is perceived to be in the perpetrator's mind.
The bill is not about stopping crime, but about giving sexual preference the same legal status as race. This legislation is just a stepping stone to regulate the speech of people who support family values, as in the case of the Philadelphia 11, a group of people holding signs about freedom from homosexuality at a "gay pride" event in Philadelphia who were arrested and charged with hate crimes, even though no crime was committed.
Other Christians and pastors in Sweden, England, and Canada have already been prosecuted under similar laws for expressing disapproval of homosexual behavior. In some jurisdictions "hate crimes" have been defined as hate speech, intimidation, and even verbal assault.
Miss California, Carrie Prejean, could have been charged with a "hate crime" for her views on same-sex marriage if H.R. 1913 was already law. What could constitute a "hate crime" under this bill is a homosexual man or woman claiming they were discriminated against and hurt by what was said.
According to the latest FBI statistics, in 2007 there were about 1.4 million violent crimes committed in the U.S. Of those, only 1,512 were reported as "hate crimes" motivated by "sexual orientation" bias. Over two thirds of those were allegations of "hateful" words, touching, intimidation, pushing or shoving. There were a mere 247 cases of aggravated assault (including five deaths) allegedly motivated by "sexual orientation" bias nationwide. In each case, where appropriate, offenders were prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and victims were afforded the exact same justice guaranteed every other American.
H.R. 1913
- Infringes on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
- Violates the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause by protecting some victims more than others.
- Punishes thoughts, not actions.
- Shows contempt for the moral and religious views of millions of Americans.
All criminal acts should be vigorously prosecuted.
All victims should be treated equally.
Tell Congressman Kirk to drop his support for H.R. 1913.
Tell him that criminal actions must be punished, not thoughts and beliefs.
Kirk's District office:
707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 350
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-940-0202
congressmankirk@gmail.com
6732 W. 173rd Street | Suite 7 | Tinley Park, Illinois 60477
