http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050222/NEWS01/502220308/1002HELENA — The House on Monday killed a bill that would have expanded Montana's hate crimes law to include people targeted because of sexual orientation and other selected characteristics.
Although the measure, rejected 54-46, applied to a broad range of people, the debate focused mostly on whether the law should be extended to cover crimes against gays and lesbians.
Republicans, who accounted for all but five of the opponents, warned the bill would stifle free speech and could even prevent clergy from speaking out against homosexuality in their sermons.
"What we're doing is, people who may disagree with people could have penalty enhancement," said Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman. "I don't think you want to squelch free speech. This is America. We have a right to disagree and we have a right to free speech."
But Rep. Christine Kaufmann, an openly gay Helena Democrat, said the bill is about protecting human dignity.
At least they tried - but what could you expect from a state that has a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage.
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