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Former Texas Judge Says Hate Crimes Law Could Criminalize Preaching
A former Texas judge who’s now a member of the House Judiciary Committee says a proposed hate crimes law could criminalize preaching.
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WASHINGTON (April 23, 2009)—A former judge who's now a member of the House Judiciary Committee is warning that a federal hate crimes bill could criminalize preaching against homosexuality.
At a committee hearing, Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert said a person charged with an anti-gay hate crime could claim to have been influenced by a preacher's sermon, and while the bill might contain speech and religious exemptions, Gohmert said inducing someone else to commit a crime is a crime in itself.
But Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen insisted that ministers could still preach against homosexuality with impunity, just as some ministers in the South once preached against civil rights for blacks.
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Posted by: Binky
Location: central texas
on Apr 24, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Why is it that only whites, hetrosexuals, and Christians are the only ones to which "hate crime statutes seem to apply?"
Posted by: Dee
Location: Hewitt
on Apr 24, 2009 at 11:29 AM
The First Amendment doesn't mean much anymore, does it...except for porn, huh? The list of what we can't say just keeps getting longer. Of course it isn't ever fair. One side is restricted and the other has free reign. Think about it. Our forefathers, especially the founding fathers, were smarter than anyone in politics today. Much smarter!
Posted by: Betty
Location: Moody
on Apr 24, 2009 at 08:27 AM
Why don't we just STOP hating people who are not like everyone else? Jesus loved everyone -- regardless of age, gender, skin color, or sexual preference. Why do people have to continuously harp on people who are not like they are!!! Are you afraid it might rub off???
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