President Barack Obama has now signed into law a controversial “hate crimes” bill that authorizes the federal government to intervene in violent crimes that appear motivated by hatred of homosexuals and apply stiffer penalties and sentences.

President Barack Obama signed the measure into law at 2:30 pm today, Oct 28. The expanded hate crime legislation extends special protection to victims of crime who are targeted by perpetrators based on an actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Opponents of the hate crimes legislation have charged that the bill violates the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution by making an individual’s thought regarding certain groups as much a factor as the nature of his act in prosecuting a crime.

Christian leaders have expressed particular concern that attempts to secure the right to speak against the homosexual lifestyle and its normalization failed. Among many rejected proposals for similar hate crimes legislation introduced in the House this year was one offered by Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, which would have included a clause ensuring that ministers could not be prosecuted for abetting a “hate crime” simply because they preached the Christian perspective on homosexuality.