Hate Crimes Bill & Prayer

There is a bill before Congress right now (H.R. 1913, "Local Law Enforcement and Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009") which is encased in ambiguous terminology specifically geared to put it within the rights of government to imprison anyone who does not comply with their very biased and unequal view of what they term "hate crimes." Matt Barber has a piece on this which all defenders of free speech should read, "Separate but unequal protection." Here are a few paragraphs from his article:

Protection we already enjoy--

Under the 14th Amendment, victims of violent crime are currently afforded equal protection under the law regardless of sexual preference or proclivity. If passed, H.R. 1913 will change all that.  It overtly and, most likely, unconstitutionally discriminates against millions of Americans by granting federally preferred status, time and resources to individuals who define their identity based upon aberrant sexual behaviors (i.e., "gay" and lesbian "sexual orientation" or cross-dressing "gender identity").

What we stand to lose:

In short, this bill places newfangled "gay rights" in direct conflict with our enumerated constitutional rights. It becomes the first step in the official criminalization of Christianity. It's a zero sum game and someone has to lose. Ultimately, what we lose are our First Amendment guaranteed rights to freedom of speech, religious expression and association.

But the threat is not just some shadowy phantom looming in the near future. It's a clear and present danger. While debating the notion of "conspiracy to commit a hate crime" in the last Congress, Representative Artur Davis (D-Alabama) admitted that the legislation could be used to prosecute pastors for merely preaching the Bible under the concept of "inducement" to violence.

Why should I, a pastor, emphasize this? I have to. Government is supposed to protect the rights of ALL of it's citizens. Homosexuals should be protected. And religion should be protected. This bill singles out the homosexual. So, we who believe the Bible are in danger of losing our freedom once again. The true Christian, far from vilifying any group, desires to present God's truth to them in as loving a manner as possible. This is nothing new. It has been our M.O. for centuries! Truth is really what is at stake. Can a group decide this? No, they will tend to select whatever seems most beneficial to them. God must determine what is true for all of us. ALL of us! As Jesus said when praying to His Father in heaven, "Your Word is truth" (John 17:17). Religious freedom comprised a large part of the reason for the founding of this great country. But even today we CAN do something about it. Each of us can contact our Congressman NOW and let them know of our disagreement with such legislation. Once it is law, we'll have our hands full dealing with the fall-out. But it's not law yet. And we have a legal right, yea, a religious right to voice our disapproval . . . for truth's sake.

What else do we do? PRAY.

Write your Congressman. That's our civic responsibility. But we do not do that without having first called upon God who is over all the world. "The earth is the Lord's." Prayer moves God's hand. Hear these words:

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 2 Thess 3:1-2 

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Col. 4:3-5