Hate Crimes and Homosexuality

A hate crime is defined as...

"A hate crime is usually defined by state law as one that involves threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone's race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability."1

I'm amazed at how successful the homosexual community has been to get "hate crime" added in legalese to include their sexual behavior within it. This way, they can get special rights and protection for their lifestyle. Remember, homosexuality is a behavior and a lifestyle; race, color, religion, national origin, and ethnicity are not. So, by having what they call "sexual orientation" included in the definition of hate crime, this means that the exact same crime against a homosexual is met with a stiffer penalty than against anyone else. How is this not special protection for a group of people who practice a specific sexual behavior?

When someone receives special protection under the law, it means that not all people are treated equally. In this case, homosexuals are given special protections, and those who commit crimes against them are susceptible to being accused of a "hate crime," and are therefore at risk of receiving stiffer penalties -- all based on the sexual behavior of homosexuals.

What about when homosexuals persecute Christians because of their religious views of homosexuality? Is that a hate crime?

"The next hearing will be this Thursday, when Christian relationship counselor Gary McFarlane will appeal his firing for refusing sex therapy to homosexual couples. Last week, Christian nurse Shirley Chaplin lost her appeal to wear a crucifix around her neck in hospital wards."2
" An honors student in Fort Worth, Texas, was sent to the principal’s office and punished for telling a classmate that he believes homosexuality is wrong... Dakota was in a German class at the high school when the conversation shifted to religion and homosexuality in Germany. At some point during the conversation, he turned to a friend and said that he was a Christian and “being a homosexual is wrong.” “It wasn’t directed to anyone except my friend who was sitting behind me,” Dakota told Fox. “I guess [the teacher] heard me. He started yelling. He told me he was going to write me an infraction and send me to the office.” http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/22/texas-school-punishes-boy-for-opposing-homosexuality/
"A federal judge has ruled in favor of a public university that removed a Christian student from its graduate program in school counseling over her belief that homosexuality is morally wrong. Monday’s ruling, according to Julea Ward’s attorneys, could result in Christian students across the country being expelled from public university for similar views."http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/is-discrimination-against-christians-legal/

Are these hate crimes? Shouldn't the perpetrators be prosecuted under hate crimes laws that apply to homosexuals? If not, why not? Why is the homosexual community so silent when it comes to hate crimes based on religion that occur against Christians? It's simple. They have a double standard. Fairness, it seems, is for the homosexuals. Bigotry, it seems, is for those against homosexuality.

Chilling Effect on Free Speech

Hate crime legislation could have a natural chilling effect on freedom of speech. How many people are afraid to say anything negative about homosexuality lest they fear retribution at work, being ridiculed, etc.? I don't know the statistics of those who are afraid to speak out, but it definitely exists. However, a chilling effect on freedom of speech is not something the homosexual community is concerned about. Instead, it wants any and all opposition to homosexuality silenced. In my opinion, they are not open to honest and serious discussion on a host of topics related to their behavior and hate crimes. When you have an agenda, facts and reason have little value.