The Indiana General Assembly is trying to pass a bill in the Senate that violates the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and religious expression.
This legislation, SB 418, a so-called "hate crime" or "bias crime" bill would criminalize a Christian for expressing their views on homosexual "marriage", transgenderism, or homosexuality, for example. A court would then be able to interpret a Christian's speech on one of these views as being motivated or perceived out of hate. It would also add an additional penalty for an actual, not perceived, crime.
It is only God who can rightly judge the motivations of a person: "For You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men." (1 Kings 8:39).
Unfortunately, Senate Bill 418, is going to get a committee hearing tomorrow morning (Tuesday) and possibly a vote.
Take Action Now: Call and tell your senator to vote against Senate Bill 418.
A hate crime law is a law that penalizes someone's thoughts in addition to an alleged crime. That's why they are often called "thought crime" laws. "Hate/Bias crime" laws have been used to punish or silence non-violent people who were simply expressing religious or traditional values.
SB 418 places the Indiana government against Christians who not only believe but also verbally express that homosexual behavior is a sin. In America we were founded upon a fundamental right of free speech and religion. People in the US are justly punished for what they do, but not for what they believe or say.
If this bill becomes law, then a Christian in Indiana who is suspected of a crime could have their biblical beliefs used as evidence against them.
Your State Senator needs to hear from you today concerning SB 418. Please call your State Senator today and ask them to vote "no" on Senate Bill 418.
