Hate Crimes Amendment introduced in Congress for 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity'

WASHINGTON, July 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former homosexual Greg Quinlan of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) urged Americans to contact their U.S. Senators to vote against the pending Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act (S. 909). Quinlan expressed his fear that passage of the Hate Crimes Bill would harm the ex-gay community. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has stated that he will attach the Hate Crimes Amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1390).

"Hate and public attacks by gays against ex-gays like me is all too common," said Quinlan. "Gay rights organizations do not believe ex-gays are entitled to the same rights, protections, and equality which gays currently enjoy. Gay activists target former homosexuals for harassment, picket ex-gay conferences, and protest vigorously against ex-gay equal access."

"Activists also sue Christian business owners for not providing services for gay events and file discrimination complaints against churches for not providing babies to gay men for adoption."

"What will happen when Congress passes a national Hate Crimes law for gays and cross-dressers?" asked Quinlan. "Officially protected by law, homosexuals and the gender confused will expand their aggressive actions and censor ex-gay speech or behavior they disagree with as 'hateful,' 'discriminatory,' 'intimidation,' 'dangerous,' or 'leading to physical violence.' We know because this is what they already label us."

"All these labels will also be used to attack religious expression," Quinlan continued. "Gay activist organizations and transgender legal groups will determine what religious rights and free speech heterosexuals, Christian businesses, and churches will have."

"Think twice, America," said Quinlan. "Do you want to give gay activists the right to hate under the guise of 'civil rights' protection? Please oppose the Hate Crimes amendment. Unpopular minorities like former homosexuals deserve the right to be free and out in society."

"No DNA test or 'gay gene' exists to determine if a person is homosexual. Sexual orientation is a matter of self-affirmation and public declaration. President Obama ran on the promise of hope and change. Ex-gays are living examples of hope and change."

Visit http://pfox-exgays.blogspot.com for more information.

Greg Quinlan is a director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX). PFOX promotes an inclusive environment for the ex-gay community.

SOURCE Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (PFOX)