Posted on 06/26/2004 10:10:09 AM PDT by Liz
The U.S. Senate has passed the controversial "hate crimes" bill that could now lead to the criminalization of Christian beliefs and practices.
That means the next step for this legislation is the House, and it’s imperative that Christians contact their representatives urging them not to support such legislation.
The House defense authorization bill is H.R. 4200. Make sure your representative knows that you do not support any and all hate crimes amendment to H.R. 4200.
The outrageous passage of this legislation -- called the "Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act" and passed as an amendment to a defense bill -- requires every one of us across the nation to take immediate action.
BACKSTORY The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act sponsored by Uncle Teddy Kennedy was defeated in May 2002. But they're back and they've hurdled the first course by hiding the bill in the Senate's defense appropriation bill
LLEEA criminalizes the Orwellian concept of "hate" crimes: The bill would penalize some American citizens thoughts. Perhaps newspaper columnists would not be permitted to write on certain subjects.
Perhaps politicians would not be permitted to defend their party's principles.
(1) According to constitutional experts, the measure - establishes a dangerous constitutional precedent - allowing for two trials against a person accused of a crime, say, against homosexuals (among others). Possible scenario: A mother of a teenage boy molested by notorious homosexual priest Fr. Paul Shanley might rush up to him in a courtroom, punch him in the face, and say, "You are a no-good homosexual." This is potentially a hate crime. If this woman is charged in a state court with a Hate Crime and is acquitted, she can be tried again, a second time, in a Federal Court. Or, even if she is found guilty in a state court and fined $1,000.00, the federal prosecutors could feel this is inadequate and charge the lady with a crime under Federal law and she would face a second trial.
(2) The bill is Orwellian because it penalizes politically incorrect thoughts and feelings which the law labels as "hate". Big Brother is watching the beliefs you express, the books you read, the web sites you visit, the people you know, and the organizations to which you belong. It's all potential evidence of "hate".
(3) The federal government would get to define what "hate" is. The bill would expand the scope of the federal government to investigate and prosecute anyone who targets racial and religious minorities, gays, the disabled and other groups because of hate.
(4) Heeding the Bible would constitute a hate crime under this law. Opposition to abortion could be discerned as hate.Support for traditional marriage could be discerned as
hate. (5) This bill is an unwarranted expansion of Federal authority to enforce illegitimate laws implementing the flawed Orwellian concept of "hate" crimes.
(6) The bill attempts to codify Sexual Orientation but does not refer merely to homosexuality. Which bizarre fetishes will be included over time? Will these kind of laws make public expression of such orientation permissible or even legal by making former state laws and even prosecutions invalid as acts of hate by the state?
The hate crimes bill will provide cover for all forms of sexual orientation under the phony liberal rubric of tolerance and compassion: homosexuality, bestiality (will PETA support animals being used for sexual pleasure?), polygamy, pedophilia, S&M (will slavery become legal?), exhibitionists, incest, etc.
Call Congress' switchboard at 202-224-3121 to and ask your Congressman to oppose the bill. Do it as soon as possible.
The "hate crimes" portion was an amendment to the defense spending bill (as stipulated above).
She might say, "You are a no-good homosexual." Is that something a freethinking liberal would say?
Who believes homosexuality is wrong?
Right.
Christians.
bump
Thanks. Glad to have your VIP ping on this thread.
We are not interested in the Senate action (except to decry it). It is a done deed, fait accompli.
Our focus now is to stop the bill in its tracks when it goes to the House.
TWO VITAL ACTIONS ARE NECESSARY:
(1) Contact your Representative at the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
(2) Contact House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, urging him not to allow this legislation to come to a vote. This legislation cannot move without his permission.
To reach DeLay's office:
202-225-5951 (phone)
202-225-5241 (fax)
You can e-mail DeLay at: http://www.majorityleader.gov/CONTACT.ASP?a=form
Thanks!
You are welcome. Glad you're on the thread.
Important project. Pass the word.
Agree, and will do.
In the event you have not read.
Bump.
It criminalizes the concept of hate crimes? Why, that's as bad as criminalizing people's thoughts.
The amendment you are concerned about requires that bodily injury be done before someone can be prosecuted. Maybe I missed the day in Sunday School where they taught that physically assaulting a fellow sinner was a "Christian belief or practice".
(1)Contact your Representative: PINGS/BUMPS
http://www.reclaimamerica.org/contactCongress.asp?lk=house
OR Call the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
(2) Contact House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, urging him not to allow this legislation to come to a vote. This legislation cannot move without his permission. To reach his office: 202-225-5951 (phone) 202-225-5241 (fax) You can e-mail DeLay at:
http://www.majorityleader.gov/CONTACT.ASP?a=form
According to constitutional experts, HR 4200---Hate Crimes Bill--establishes a dangerous constitutional precedent - allowing for two trials against a person accused of a crime, say, against homosexuals (among others).
No, the very real danger in this legislation is that it opens up the prosecution of thought, or even public Bible reading. This is very dangerous, and every Christian needs to take a stand against it.
How does it pass this test:
...nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb...
??
Under clause 8 of rule XVIII, proposed amendments were submitted as follows:
H.R. 4200 ,
Offered by: Mr. Emanuel
AMENDMENT NO. 1: At the end of title V (page 200, after line 24), insert the following new section:
SEC. __. PERSONNEL POLICIES.
(a) The Secretary of Defense may not assign a member of the Armed Forces, and a private sector organization may not solicit the assignment of a member of the Armed Forces, currently deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom to a private sector contractor unless the commanding officer of the unit from which the military member is designated authorizes such assignment and certifies that the assignment is necessary to save American lives or to accommodate the short-term dictates of the combat zone.
(b) In the case of National Guard units currently mobilized for deployment in support of either of those operations, those units are deployed and mobilized to perform the mission specified on their Table of Organization and Equipment for which they were federally recognized to support the Combatant Commander and are to be used in a manner in which they have been organized and trained, not to supply labor for a civilian contractor or any activity that violates the traditional employment of military personnel in a manner that disregards the risks to their lives.
Latest Major Action: 6/24/2004 Resolving differences / Conference -- Senate actions. Status: Senate insists on its amendment, asks for a conference, appoints conferees Warner; McCain; Inhofe; Roberts; Allard; Sessions; Collins; Ensign; Talent; Chambliss; Graham SC; Dole; Cornyn; Levin; Kennedy; Byrd; Lieberman; Reed; Akaka; Nelson FL; Nelson NE; Dayton; Bayh; Clinton; Pryor.
Amendment authorizes the Secretary of Defense, to assign members of the Armed Forces, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to assist the Bureau of Border Security and U.S. Customs Service of the Department of Homeland Security on preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens into the United States. H.AMDT.532 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. Goode. (consideration: CR H3346-3350, H3357; text: CR H3346-3347)
Amendments For H.R.4200
1. H.AMDT.532 to H.R.4200 Amendment authorizes the Secretary of Defense, to assign members of the Armed Forces, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to assist the Bureau of Border Security and U.S. Customs Service of the Department of Homeland Security on preventing the entry of terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal aliens into the United States.
Sponsor: Rep Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [VA-5] (introduced 5/19/2004) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 5/19/2004 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Goode amendment (A001) Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 - 191 (Roll no. 196).
S.AMDT.3190
Amends: S.2400
Sponsor: Sen Daschle, Thomas A. [SD] (submitted 5/19/2004)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE: Purpose will be available when the amendment is proposed for consideration. See Congressional Record for text.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S5822
S.AMDT.3201
Amends: S.2400
Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] (submitted 5/19/2004) (proposed 6/22/2004)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
To assist school districts service large numbers or percentages of military dependent children affected by the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, or by other Department of Defense personnel decisions.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S5830-5831
STATUS:
6/22/2004:
Amendment SA 3201 proposed by Senator Levin for Senator Kennedy. (consideration: CR S7152-7160)
6/23/2004:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S7204)
6/23/2004:
Proposed amendment SA 3201 withdrawn in Senate.
COSPONSORS(2):
Sen Murray, Patty [WA] - 5/19/2004
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] - 5/19/2004
S.AMDT.3240
Amends: S.2400
Sponsor: Sen Warner, John W. [VA] (submitted 5/21/2004) (proposed 5/21/2004)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
To strike an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S6108
STATUS:
5/21/2004:
Amendment SA 3240 proposed by Senator Warner. (consideration: CR S6055; text: CR S6055)
5/21/2004:
Amendment SA 3240 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
COSPONSORS(1):
Sen Levin, Carl [MI] - 5/21/2004
S.AMDT.3257
Amends: S.2400
Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] (submitted 6/2/2004) (proposed 6/14/2004)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
To provide for improved assessment of public-private competition for work performed by civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S6363-6364
STATUS:
6/14/2004:
Amendment SA 3257 proposed by Senator Levin for Senator Kennedy. (consideration: CR S6716-6717)
6/14/2004:
Amendment SA 3257 as modified agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent. (text as modified: CR S6716)
COSPONSORS(1):
Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] - 6/2/2004
S.AMDT.3263
Amends: S.2400
Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA] (submitted 6/3/2004) (proposed 6/3/2004)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
To prohibit the use of funds for the support of new nuclear weapons development under the Stockpile Services Advanced Concepts Initiative or for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP).
TEXT OF AMENDMENT AS SUBMITTED: CR S6460
STATUS:
6/3/2004:
Amendment SA 3263 proposed by Senator Kennedy. (consideration: CR S6425-6433; text: CR S6426)
6/4/2004:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6470)
6/14/2004:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6693)
6/15/2004:
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6751-6763)
6/15/2004:
Amendment SA 3263 not agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 42 - 55. Record Vote Number: 113.
COSPONSORS(5):
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] - 6/3/2004
Sen Reed, John F. [RI] - 6/3/2004
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 6/3/2004
Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI] - 6/3/2004
Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] - 6/15/2004
SEC. __04. SUPPORT FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS BY STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS.
(a) ASSISTANCE OTHER THAN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.--
(1) IN GENERAL.--At the request of a law enforcement official of a State or Indian tribe, the Attorney General may provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial, or any other form of assistance in the criminal investigation or prosecution of any crime that--
(A) constitutes a crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code);
(B) constitutes a felony under the laws of the State or Indian tribe; and
(C) is motivated by prejudice based on the race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of the victim, or is a violation of the hate crime laws of the State or Indian tribe.
SNIP
(a) IN GENERAL.--Chapter 13 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``§249. Hate crime acts
``(a) IN GENERAL.--
``(1) OFFENSES INVOLVING ACTUAL OR PERCEIVED RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.--Whoever, whether or not acting under color of law, willfully causes bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of any person--
``(A) shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both; and
``(B) shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined in accordance with this title, or both, if--
``(i) death results from the offense; or
``(ii) the offense includes kidnaping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill.
``(2) OFFENSES INVOLVING ACTUAL OR PERCEIVED RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--Whoever, whether or not acting under color of law, in any circumstance described in subparagraph (B), willfully causes bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of any person--
``(i) shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both; and
``(ii) shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined in accordance with this title, or both, if--
``(I) death results from the offense; or
``(II) the offense includes kidnaping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill.
Perhaps you can explain how any of this supports the prosecution of public Bible reading?
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