Hate Crimes Bill Passes House

By a vote of 237-180, the House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592).

The Executive Office of the President issued a "Statement of Administration Policy" indicating that if H.R. 1592 were presented to the president, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.

Many religious conservatives (e.g., Chuck Colson, James Dobson) have argued that the Act would undermine the freedom to express moral disapproval of homosexual conduct. The EOP's statement does not raise that concern.

Hate Crimes Legislation

The CLS Center has not studied the legislation or taken a position, but many religious conservatives appear to be opposed to the hate crimes legislation moving through the House of Representatives.

In a Breakpoint commentary, Chuck Colson articulates his reasons for opposing the proposed Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592). Colson asserts that the bill is:

about outlawing peaceful speech—speech that asserts that homosexual behavior is morally wrong.