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Barrett's Blog
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Let Your Voice Be Heard | Your Thoughts on the TEA Act
03/30/09Dear Friends, I wanted you to be the first to know about some exciting legislation I am introducing. As you kno...
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Let Your Voice Be Heard | Your Comments on "Practice What You Preach"
03/26/09Today, I have an op ed in the Greenville News entitled "Practice What You Preach" -- You can read part of...
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Barrett Takes Stand to Protect Freedom of Speech; Opposes Hate Crimes Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) today took a stand for freedom of speech and voted against H.R. 1913, the Hate Crimes Bill. Barrett took to the floor of the House of Representatives to speak out against the proposed legislation. During his floor speech, Congressman Barrett made the following statements:
“Under this bill, justice will no longer be equal. It will depend on a victim’s race, gender or sexual orientation. This legislation would allow for different penalties to be imposed for the same crime. While I am not a constitutional scholar, it is abundantly clear to me that this bill would violate the 14th Amendment by creating a special class of victims who deserve some kind of special protection under the law. More importantly, I fear this legislation would unwind a key thread of our judicial system by placing a higher value on one life or lifestyle over another.
“In addition to creating a special class of victims, this legislation could allow for the criminal prosecution of religious leaders or members of religious groups who express the beliefs of their respective faiths. Pastors, imams and rabbis across the country would now be forced to question the legality of the words they preach. Consequently, this bill would inhibit religious freedom in our society...
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BARRETT TAKES STAND TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF SPEECH
04/29/09Congressman Votes Against Hate Crimes Bill
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Barrett Introduces TEA Act
03/31/09Taxpayer Empowerment and Advocacy Act Inspired by Modern Day Tea Parties Protesting Washington's Wasteful Spending
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