Savannah Neighbors Debate Hate Crimes Expansion

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- In a victory for gay rights activists, crimes targeting people because of their sexual orientation are now federal hate crimes, but many are still speaking out against the new measure.

Senator Jim DeMint (R - South Carolina) said the law "suggests that violence committed against certain kinds of victims is worse, more in need of federal intervention and swift justice."

President Barack Obama applauded the bill's passage Wednesday.

"Time and again we've faced opposition. Time and again the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we've been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation where were all free to live and love as we see fit," said Pres. Obama.

The law is called the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, using the names of two victims of hate crimes. It adds violence based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability to federal laws covering hate crimes.

"Up until now it has been ok to not take seriously violence and threats and harrassment against openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals," said Kevin Clark, director of the Savannah Chapter of Georgia Equality.

"This is the very first time that a federal law inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered citizens has become law," he said.

But Clark said there is still a long way to go.

"Law enforcement have not taken seriously these serious, serious situations that occur on the streets all the time. Right here on the streets of Savannah, Georgia, we have historically had problems," said Clark.

But opponents have harsh words for the legislation.

Dr. Allan Bosson of Southside Baptist Church called the law a slap in the face, saying it could silence those who speak out against homosexuality on religious grounds.

"Those who believe in Judeo-Christian beliefs. They're the huge majority. If we believe in democracy, we at least need to listen to the voice of these people," said Bosson.

He said he believes restrictions will fall on many groups, like the military, small businesses, and private schools.

Bosson also said the effect on churches could be even more chilling.

"They're placing us in a position where we'll have to, not because we would choose to, we'd have to defy the law of the country. We could easily be sued. We could be arrested. We could be put in jail," he said.

Another objection to the expansion is concern that it creates a special class of victims.

In 2004, the Georgia Supreme Court threw out the state's hate crimes law, calling it overbroad and "unconstitutionally vague."