LGBT Hate Crimes Bill Signed into Law, Conservatives Still Wary

In a bold political move and statement, President Barack Obama officially signed into the law on Wednesday the first Hate Crimes Bill which will grant specific protection to the gay, lesbian, transgendered and homosexual demographics, according to several national news media outlets. The Matthew Shepherd and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, as it had been titled while still in the Senate, was a small piece of a large $680 billion defense spending agenda. For more on this, see my piece: U.S. Senate Passes LGBT Hate Crimes Bill 68-29.

Since its origins within the U.S. Senate, countless conservative Christian groups, churches, organizations and pastors have voiced their concerns over the bill's likelihood to subsequently stifle their free speech rights to oppose homosexuality.

Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod-told the Christian Post, "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 against the sin of homosexuality based on the Word of God."

During his official remarks at the reception ceremony, President Obama spoke of hate crime's abilities to "break spirits" and "instill fear", in addition to the physical harm associated with such violent acts. Obama also noted, "No one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love," according to FOX News Contributing Editor Anne Marie Riha of the Fox News' White House View.

To the thunderous applause of Shepherd's and Byrd's family members and countless Associated Press members and TV camera crews, Obama stated that the signing of the law was "the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade" and "another step forward" in creating a more perfect union."

In his recent annual address to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest advocate for the equal rights of gays, Obama noted that there are still changes to be made: "Despite the progress we've made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open. This fight continues now and I'm here with the simple message: I'm here with you in that right," according to CNN.

Although U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has previously attempted to assure conservatives and Christian/religious pastors and speakers that the bill will in no way infringe upon free speech rights, the vast majority are still wary of its future ramifications.

©2009 Joshua D. Givens and The Underground Christian E-Magazine

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