Protecting Free Speech from Hate Crime Laws

The U.S. Senate has voted to expand hate crimes law to include “actual or perceived sexual orientation, and gender identity”.

The House of Representatives has already passed similar legislation and President Obama has pledged to sign it into law.

It’s not too late to act!

This legislation is alarming to those concerned about free speech and religious freedom!

Similar laws in other countries have had a chilling effect on free speech. Now those concerned about religious freedom in the United States fear this new law could lead to pastors, radio hosts and others being investigated and harassed by groups like the Human Rights Commission.

Canada, Sweden and the Netherlands have passed similar legislation. Their versions have led to investigations, government harassment and even arrest.

In the Netherlands, Geert Wilder exposed links to violence in the Koran in his film Fitna. He was put on trial for inciting hate against Muslims.

Journalist Mark Steyn’s book, America Alone, is on trial and may be banned under Canadian hate crimes laws because it states that some Muslim communities are complicit in violent jihad.

Swedish pastor Ake Green was put on trail in Sweden for “hate crimes” after he presented the biblical view of homosexual behavior in a sermon.

We must not allow the United States to go down this same path.

Thanks to Senator Sam Brownback, an amendment was added to the Senate hate crimes bill just before final passage, offering protection for the religious expression and association. If part of the final bill, this amendment will help protect religious broadcasters and pastors from the potential jeopardy of 1968 hate crimes laws which directly associate violent offenders with those who “induced” behavior.

Now the two versions of this legislation move to a conference committee where a compromise bill is negotiated that both houses can accept.

We need your help to send a strong message in support of the Brownback amendment. The conference committee members must hear from thousands of citizens concerned about religious liberty.

Please act now and let the conference committee know that you support the Brownback amendment. (Take Action Here)

With your help TalkPAC will send thousands of faxes and petitions directly to conference committee members letting them know that we will not stand by while our rights are eroded.

Once passed, this legislation will never be undone and we will be forced to live with the consequences. The Brownback amendment is critical to protect religious liberty and free speech.

Liberals in the Senate believe they must enact their radical agenda as quickly as possible. They know that radical bills such as “Hate Crime” laws are much more difficult to pass on election years when voters can hold them accountable.

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