Many Americans aren’t aware, but the US House of Representatives passed a Federal “anti-hate” bill on Sept 14, 2005.  It is now awaiting approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee and passage by the Senate.  Once signed by President Bush, this bill will become law and will destroy the free speech rights of many Americans.  The “anti-hate” bill appears benign on its face, but as a Trojan Horse (it was slipped in Child Safety Legislation) will fundamentally alter American life. 

 

 First point: Hate crimes laws are unconstitutional and certainly should not be a Federal Mandate.  The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees equal protection of all Americans and due process of law.  In other words, our government (local, state, and national) is prohibited from favoring any particular group in the enforcement of law.  If a crime is committed, the perpetrator is to be punished for his intention to commit the crime and the results of that crime.  All who commit a crime, regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, etc., are to face the same justice.  We are country in which no person or group is to be treated differently because they are a “protected minority”, like homosexuals.

 

 The anti-hate provisions of AMDT.2662 will empower the Federal Government to intervene in state police power with hate crimes.  As we have seen through the many other Western nations that have adopted National “hate-crimes” legislation, the effects will be ominous.  Federal agencies will be in the position to define and redefine “hate”.  In many European countries, for example, it is now a “hate crime” to criticize homosexuals and religious minorities.  We have seen affects of “hate crime” enforcement in America.  Specifically under Pennsylvania’s hate crime law:  On Oct 10, 2004, a group of Christians were arrested as “hate criminals” while preaching during a “gay pride” parade/rally.  They faced over 45 years in prison for expressing the Biblical view of homosexuality.

 

 Other specific effects of national “hate crime” legislation in Western nations give America warning of what will occur.  After passing “hate crime” legislation in the UK, criticism of Satanists and Witches became “hate”.  In Australia, two Christian ministers were tried and convicted for criticizing violence in Islam from their pulpit.  The Canadian Government closed down Quebec City’s talk show station CHOI FM under “hate crime” laws.  The offense:  Criticism of African Dictators with children in Canadian Universities as a “hate crime” against black Canadians.  In many Countries with national hate crimes laws, ministers in their pulpits cannot even read directly from certain parts of the Bible.

 

 Supporters of the hate crimes legislation will claim that this bill is only meant to help prevent violent crime against minority groups.  The bill asserts that “bias” in states is a “relic” of “slavery” and therefore the National Government must get involved.  The bill is also justified by the idea that perceived bias-motivated crime is proof that a slavery mentality still exists in the state.  Therefore, the federal government is only trying to further the aims of the 13th amendment ending slavery.  Under the bill, the national government can get involved (i.e. take over!) with state law enforcement if:

1.  States do not have appropriate “hate crimes” verdicts, by the judgment of the Federal Government (Sec. B (b)(2D)). 

2.  States have not passed “anti-hate” legislation  (Sec B (b)(2A)).

3.  States are not enforcing “hate laws” with appropriate vigor, by the judgment of the Federal Government  (Sec B (b)(2A)).

 

 The supporters are just wrong.  Slavery, outlawed 140 years ago, has absolutely nothing to do with modern enforcement of laws.  States have laws to prosecute crimes and do prosecute crimes vigorously.  The prosecution is about the crime, and not “group status” the criminal.  Constitutionally, states have the general police power and the Federal government seeks to usurp this power.  America is based on Biblical principles of equality and justice.  Americans have the God-given, Constitutionally protected right to speak the Truth.  If the truth spoken offends others, those others have the same right to criticize back.  It’s the American way.  

 

 Americans must fight this bill.  You can start by informing your friends and family so they aren’t ambushed with the facts after this bill is signed into law.  Then, you can contact your Congressman.  Lastly, you can vote against any politician who supported this bill.  Let’s act now!

Bill Connor