http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091029/conservatives-vow-to-keep-close-watch-of-hate-crimes-law/index.html
"Although we don't know the full ramifications of this bill as of yet, my staff and I will be watching closely for any possible infringement on the rights of our members and pastors to speak out…"
Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law a new Hate Crimes bill, which is described as adding, "sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to the list of federal hate crimes and allows the federal government more room to intervene in investigation and prosecution of hate crimes."
According to a Christian Post report, the bill was "tucked inside the $680 billion defense spending bill." (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Obama spoke about the bill at the reception stating that "[N]o one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love."
But, conservative Christian groups say they'll be watching closely how the new law is enforced, noting how other so-called "hate crimes bills" have meant an infringement on the free speech of those speaking from the Word of God, which may not align with what is the "popular" trend.
"ADF has clearly seen the evidence of where 'hate crimes' legislation leads when it has been tried around the world: It paves the way for the criminalization of speech that is not deemed 'politically correct,'" Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel with Alliance Defense Fund, told the Christian Post.