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Argument: Hate crime laws don't restrict religious speech on homosexuality
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- Rachel Laser, Director of the Culture Project; Michael Earls, Policy Advisor. "The Hate Crimes Bill: Progress For America". Third Way Project. April 2007 - "Clarify that this is About Physical Action, Not Personal Thoughts or Religious Beliefs Some opponents have raised fears among the Grays that the Hate Crimes bill will punish thought and religious belief or that the bill will prevent churches, synagogues, mosques and other theological institutions from freely expressing their best understanding of what their religious tradition teaches about homosexuality. Proponents must make clear that this bill punishes action, not thoughts or beliefs. It protects gays and lesbians from bodily harm motivated by prejudice while protecting religious liberty and the rights of free speech that are foundational to a healthy democratic society.
- Different religions preach different lessons about gays and lesbians. But no religion counsels its congregants to commit violence against gays and lesbians. This bill is not about thinking or believing, but doing and harming. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that bias can only be considered when that motivation is directly connected to the perpetrator’s criminal conduct. Third Way Memo 3
- The Message: “The hate crimes law protects religious liberty and does not punish thought. This bill isn’t about what you think or believe. This is not about your religious faith. It’s about those who harass and torment gay people and the violence they sow. Their intimidating and violent physical actions must be punished.”