Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)  issued the following statement today regarding passage of H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Lamborn voted ‘No’ on H.R. 1913.

“Our laws criminalize actions, not thoughts or beliefs.  Criminalizing thoughts sets a dangerous precedent.  It turns government into thought police.

“It could also restrict free speech and lead to criminal prosecution of religious leaders or anyone who expresses politically incorrect statements, including religious beliefs.”—Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)