SC hate crimes bill advances; religious leaders call to remove LGBTQ protection

[left-of-center2012]

As the hate crimes bill got its first hearing in the South Carolina Senate, some religious groups continued their push against parts of the legislation. The religious leaders pushed lawmakers Wednesday to remove provisions of the bill that would extend protections for members of the LGBTQ community.

In its current form the bill, which lawmakers voted 3-2 to send it the full Judiciary committee Wednesday, would allow prosecutors to seek additional penalties for certain crimes committed against victims targeted for their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin or physical or mental disability. For violent crimes such as murder, assault, armed robbery or criminal sexual misconduct, the penalties could be increased by up to five years imprisonment and an additional fine of up to $10,000.

S.C. Baptist Convention Public Policy Director Tony Beam said “Sexual orientation, gender identity is being used to turn believers into people who are portrayed as haters if they uphold to a biblical understanding of sexuality”.

https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/politics-government/article250806194.html

[Behind the Aegis]

1. KICK

Heterosexism and homophobia in action!

GLBT EXIST!

WE MATTER!

[gratuitous]

2. Tell you what, Tony Beam

You can "biblical understanding" anything you want; you just can't impose it on other people. See, other people aren't necessarily bound by the Bible. Many who bind themselves by the Bible disagree with your reading and interpretation. Nobody's going to stop you from being a self-righteous prick, but they don't have to do what you say, either. Southern Baptists have lost this battle, just like they lost the battle over slavery. Now would be a real good time to shut up more.