The largest Christian referral network dealing with homosexual issues is voicing opposition to a federal "hate crimes" bill introduced in the House. The legislation, says Exodus International, threatens religious freedom.
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The bill introduced by Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas earlier this month would create additional penalties for felonies committed because of the victims' "perceived or actual" identity, such as sexual orientation, gender, or disability. It expands the scope of current federal hate crime law -- which addresses crimes that prevent an individual from engaging in federally protected rights (voting, for example) -- to include any violent crime, regardless whether it affects the victim's ability to exercise a federally protected right.
In a CNSNews.com report, a spokesman for the National Prayer Network describes the bill as "the most dangerous legislation ever to come before Congress" that "sets us on a slippery slope" toward limiting speech that is offensive to the protected groups.
Randy Thomas, executive vice president of Exodus International, agrees. He says the bill would jeopardize his group's ability to express its opinions on homosexuality from a biblical viewpoint, and to spread the message that there is freedom from homosexuality through Christ.
"In America, in this day and age, where [we have] freedom and speech and freedom of religion -- as well as freedom of assembly -- we have the right to have our support group meetings; we have the right to express our opinions that people can and do overcome homosexuality," says the Exodus spokesman. "If those are deemed criminal, they could close down our groups."
In 2004, for example, 11 volunteers with the Christian ministry Repent America were arrested and jailed for preaching the gospel at a homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The Exodus International website also notes other examples from around the world where hate crime law has been used to punish, fine, and even imprison pastors for speaking out against "protected" persons or quoting Scripture verses about homosexuality.
Thomas believes that hate crimes legislation addresses an issue that can be better dealt with through common dialogue among people. "Hate crimes legislation is couched in terms that appeal to the heart and emotions," he says, "but in reality all it does is empower the suppression of religious freedom."
Despite that, Thomas says there is a good chance the bill will pass under the new leadership in Congress. He notes that with the Democratic Party now in the majority position, he expects to see a "very strong, renewed push" to pass hate crimes legislation and other related measures, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
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