Groups Take Sides in Fight Over Hate Crimes

c. 2007 Religion News Service WASHINGTON _ Congress will soon consider legislation that extends hate crimes protections for homosexuals, bisexuals and those with gender identity issues in the same way that people are protected now because of race and creed. It’s setting up a bitter battle between traditional faith communities, which teach that homosexuality is […]

c. 2007 Religion News Service

WASHINGTON _ Congress will soon consider legislation that extends hate crimes protections for homosexuals, bisexuals and those with gender identity issues in the same way that people are protected now because of race and creed.

It’s setting up a bitter battle between traditional faith communities, which teach that homosexuality is sinful, and progressive religious groups that say too many people have been harmed because of their sexual orientation.


The proposed hate crimes bill went before a House Judiciary subcommittee Tuesday (April 17).

The bill would give the federal government jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violent crimes that are committed because of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The existing law, on the books since 1968, imposes tougher penalties for violent acts judged to be hate crimes.

Saying the Rev. Jerry Falwell and the religious right “have hogged the spotlight for far too long,” Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people should be included in the politics of faith.

“We are all God’s children and our different gender identities and sexual orientations are gifts from God,” said Solmonese, head of the nation’s largest gay rights group.

But more conservative Christian leaders warned that extending hate crimes legislation to cover sexual orientation would give certain individuals “special rights.”

“This legislation would say that protecting someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity _ whatever that is _ is in the same category as protecting individuals who suffer because of the color of their skin or religion,” said Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, who serves on the Judiciary subcommittee.

Those opposed to the bill fear that clergy would be investigated and prosecuted if members of their congregation committed hate crimes against homosexuals because of a preacher’s sermon, or counseling that said homosexuality is immoral.

“I’ll stay out of your bedroom, but I plead that they stay out of my pulpit,” said Kimberly Daniels, a Florida-based evangelical preacher.


Traditional faith leaders made it clear at several events around Washington that homosexuality and questions of gender identity are far from being accepted _ or even settled _ in their circles.

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security is expected to advance the hate crimes bill to the full Judiciary Committee later this week. It is expected to reach the floor of the House by the end of the month, where Gohmert said Democrats have enough votes to pass it.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate.

KRE/PH END TURNER

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