Please vote no on HR 4200, the Hate crimes amendment.
Of course no one is in favor of hate crimes, but as written, this bill will make it a crime to read or believe portion of the Bible (regarding homosexuality). The Constitution clearly states:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
To pass this bill, therefore, is a violation of the First Amendment and in violation of one's oath.
Furthermore, it is very deceitful to attempt to sneak through amendments of this sort on a defense appropriations bill. Just so you know, as a voter I do pay attention to such actions and take it into account when voting.
I hope and pray that you believe in the US Constitution.
Regards
It's very important to contact DeLay to stop the bill in its tracks. Do this now:
Contact House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, urging him not to allow this legislation to come to a vote. The legislation cannot move out for a vote without his permission.
DeLay's office: 202-225-5951 (phone)
DeLay's office: 202-225-5241 (fax)
Delay's EMAIL form: http://www.majorityleader.gov/CONTACT.ASP?a=form