Pastors and the hate crime laws

Originally Posted by NateR

Unless he's an Illinois Senator, I doubt it.

Mark Kirk (R-Illinois)

[J.B.]

People are jumping the gun on what this Act is really all about.

Actually there is a... "Rule of Construction" which specifically provides that "Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard_Act

This is no more about taking away people's right to free speech as the case against Westboro Baptist Church was.

It's a matter of time. I'll be surprised if we have any freedoms left after this administration is through!

Originally Posted by JB Rattlesnake

People are jumping the gun on what this Act is really all about.

Actually there is a... "Rule of Construction" which specifically provides that "Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard_Act

This is no more about taking away people's right to free speech as the case against Westboro Baptist Church was.

I suppose it makes sense when you read it there.

I'm just wondering how far the leftists will take it. I think it should be hate crime to hurt someone because their gay. Granted all crimes should be considered hate crimes so the whole point is moot.

I think this is a step to trying to legitimize the gay lifestyle as normal and just like any other ethnicity. It can definately lead to a slippery slop is applied poorly.

[NateR]

Originally Posted by rearnakedchoke

Mark Kirk (R-Illinois)

Well, I won't be voting for him again.

[NateR]

Originally Posted by JB Rattlesnake

People are jumping the gun on what this Act is really all about.

Actually there is a... "Rule of Construction" which specifically provides that "Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard_Act

This is no more about taking away people's right to free speech as the case against Westboro Baptist Church was.

That's just what the liberals want you to think.

Honestly, if you really believe that the left-wing Liberals are NOT going to try to use this to shut down churches that take a stand against homosexuality, then you are really fooling yourself.

[J.B.]

Originally Posted by NateR

That's just what the liberals want you to think.

Honestly, if you really believe that the left-wing Liberals are NOT going to try to use this to shut down churches that take a stand against homosexuality, then you are really fooling yourself.

Seriously Nate, let's not go down the road of conspiracy theories. It starts sounding as loony as the far-left zealots who say Bush planned 9/11.

When you actually look at what act is going to do it is CLEAR that it will in no way effect people's right to free speech. What it mainly does is extend the CURRENT hate crime laws we already have to include crimes aimed at people because of their gender or sexual orientation, and it puts more money into research and data collecting on those crimes. That's it. Besides, it's not like this is new info. This has been in the works for about 10 years.

This is NOT a free speech issue.

[NateR]

Originally Posted by JB Rattlesnake

Seriously Nate, let's not go down the road of conspiracy theories. It starts sounding as loony as the far-left zealots who say Bush planned 9/11.

When you actually look at what act is going to do it is CLEAR that it will in no way effect people's right to free speech. What it mainly does is extend the CURRENT hate crime laws we already have to include crimes aimed at people because of their gender or sexual orientation, and it puts more money into research and data collecting on those crimes. That's it. Besides, it's not like this is new info. This has been in the works for about 10 years.

This is NOT a free speech issue.

This is the big liberal thing now to declare anyone who opposes their legislation as conspiracy theorists. It's a dishonest accusation and I thought someone like you would be too smart to stoop to those tactics.

Clearly you are a Christian who is afraid to take his head out of the sand.

You act like Satan is not actively and relentlessly trying to destroy Christianity. Also, if you read about how these kinds of laws are being enforced in other countries, it's clear that you have no idea what you are talking about.

Originally Posted by NateR

Well, Paul, Peter, John and most every early Church leader spent some time in prison for teaching the truth; so it's not like we won't be in good company.

I think the American Church is experiencing GOD's judgement for those misguided Southern Church leaders who supported segregation and opposed the Civil Rights movement.

Amen!

Originally Posted by JB Rattlesnake

Seriously Nate, let's not go down the road of conspiracy theories. It starts sounding as loony as the far-left zealots who say Bush planned 9/11.

When you actually look at what act is going to do it is CLEAR that it will in no way effect people's right to free speech. What it mainly does is extend the CURRENT hate crime laws we already have to include crimes aimed at people because of their gender or sexual orientation, and it puts more money into research and data collecting on those crimes. That's it. Besides, it's not like this is new info. This has been in the works for about 10 years.

This is NOT a free speech issue.

JB- You must not have spent much time in politics. If you judge a bill by its description you would be fooled all the time. You must follow the money and follow the squeaky wheel. This is a free speech issue. In states with similar laws they have arrested pastors. The appeals courts have over turned but it only takes one Judaical vote to make it a law. How else would you explain the mass murder known as abortion.