In this column, Don Feder explains the far-reaching consequences of the recent "hate crimes" legislation passed by the House of Representatives. And those consequences are anything but pretty.
Will President Bush finally find the gumption to veto a bill? Incredibly, he hasn't so far. But this measure (the Children's Safety Act of 2005, H.R. 3132 with the operative Conyers Amendment attached), certainly has the sinister implications to marriage, morality, and the freedoms of thought and expression, to deserve it.
Please read Mr. Feder's column and then consider zipping along a letter, e-mail or phone call to the White House to express your opinion. Contact information follows the sample letter printed below.
Dear Mr. President,
I cannot figure out why you have given so many really bad bills your signature: pork-filled legislation, McCain-Feingold, etc. The people who worked so hard (and so hopefully) for your election and re-election certainly expected more.
However, one of the very worst is heading for your desk in the Children's Safety Act of 2005, H.R. 3132 with its inclusion of the Conyers Amendment adding "sexual orientation" to the definition of "hate crimes."
Mr. President, such legislation promises to punish thought, not just actions, and it equates such unnatural and destructive behavior as homosexuality, cross-dressing, and other perversions with inherent characteristics like race.
A "hate crimes" law like that which is hidden within H.R. 3132 could quickly lead to criminal charges for preaching or teaching against homosexual conduct. It is happening already in Canada and Europe where such legislation was enacted. It will definitely happen here too...unless the pro-family forces get some much-needed help from the White House.
Please veto H.R. 3132 and make it clear to Congress how it failed in its responsibilities by letting the Conyers Amendment get attached to the thing in the first place.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Denny Hartford
Director, Vital Signs Ministries
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
E-Mail comments@whitehouse.gov.