Why does Congress want to give special governmental protection to male cross-dressers, homosexuals and pedophiles in a bill that seems designed to threaten our freedom of speech and religion and any clergy who preach from the Bible concerning these lifestyles?

S.909 is currently awaiting action in the U.S. Senate. This unconstitutional "Hate Crimes Bill" is similar to H.R.1913 that has already passed the House, (another reason to vote your current congressman out of office in 2010).

S.909 would create new federal crimes based on the victim's "actual or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation." Gender identity would include male cross-dressers. Sexual orientation would include -- among other things -- homosexuality and pedophilia.

Under the hate crimes legislation, a person could be federally prosecuted if he allegedly harmed someone who is a homosexual, male cross-dresser or pedophile but not if the victim is a military veteran!

Individuals should be punished equally, based on their actions, not on their alleged thoughts against someone.

The 14th Amendment guarantees equal, not special, protection under the law.

Tell your senators to vote no to this unconstitutional bill that threatens our freedom of speech and religion.

- Paul Liptak, Dyer