“… But Sen. Jim DeMint said that since opposition to homosexuality is ‘a biblical concept,’ the measure could ‘serve as a warning to people not to speak out too loudly about their religious views lest the federal law enforcement come knocking at their door.’ The South Carolina Republican asked, “Can priests, pastors, rabbis be sure that their preaching will not be prosecuted. …  

Thursday night in the Senate

“’The Senate made a strong statement this evening that hate crimes have no place in America,’ Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said after the chamber voted Thursday to attach the legislation as an amendment to a $680 billion defense spending bill expected to be completed next week. …

“Opponents of the bill, including conservative religious groups, argued that it infringes on states’ rights and could intimidate free speech. ‘The bill could potentially imperil the free speech rights of Christians who choose to speak out against homosexuality – which could even be extended to preaching against it,’ The Christian Coalition of America said in a statement. …”
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