NBJC Commentary in the Boston Globe

Fabricated fears about hate crime legislation

By Cornel West and Sylvia Rhue  |  September 25, 2007

AMERICANS who understand basic principles of justice have no problems
with the hate crime bill known as the Matthew Shepard Act. This
legislation, now awaiting a vote in the Senate, would finally protect
the many citizens who are targeted for violence simply because of
their sexual orientation and gender identity, and it would provide law
enforcement the necessary resources to investigate bias-fueled
brutality.

Unfortunately, some clergy across the nation have joined together to
oppose this bill in an aggressive and divisive manner. For instance,
conservative African-American leaders - most notably Bishop Harry
Jackson of Maryland's Hope Christian Church - have been inundating the
media and faith communities with the message that this legislation
will allow police to storm into worship services and arrest clergy if
they speak against being gay. They make the incendiary allegation that
the bill will create "thought crimes" by punishing people for thinking
ill of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

READ ENTIRE TEXT HERE:     http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/09/25/fabricated_fears_about_hate_crime_legislation/