Pedophiles - The Latest Democrat Cause?

There has been a lot of controversy about the recent amendment to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, proposed by Republicans, that would have specifically stated that pedophiles are not protected under that law.  Republicans contend that pedophilia is not a sexual orientation and therefore pedophiles cannot be victims of discrimination based solely on their sexual preference.   House Democrats defeated the bill.

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fl) apparently disagrees with the Republicans.  He stated that all "alternative sexual lifestyles" should be protected under the law. Really, Congressman?  Do you have a young child?

Hastings stated “This bill addresses our resolve to end violence based on prejudice and to guarantee that all Americans, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability or all of these ‘philias’ and fetishes and ‘isms’ that were put forward need not live in fear because of who they are. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule.”

California Congresswoman, Rep. Jackie Speier CA (D), wants to federalize a California state law to prohibit counseling to change a person’s sexual orientation. That doesn’t sound that extreme, but pedophilia is a sexual orientation according to that bill as well.

“This language is so broad and vague, it arguably could include all forms of sexual orientation, including pedophilia,” said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute. “It’s not just the orientation that is protected—the conduct associated with the orientation is protected as well.”

So if pedophilia is classified as a sexual orientation, discrimination laws also apply to pedophiles. That means you cannot block a pedophile from being a preschool teacher or running a day care service or any other occupation that would be high risk to children.

One can’t help but wonder why, if sexual assaults against children are illegal, anyone would consider special protections for the people who commit the crimes.  Voting down the bill did not legalize pedophilia but, as Mr. Dacus stated, it could open the door to make prosecuting pedophiles more difficult.

And what happens if a rapist decides that he wants non-consensual sex to be a “sexual orientation” or an “alternative lifestyle.”  Will they be protected as well because they are simply acting on their sexual orientation?  And where does it end?

There are two reasons that pedophilia cannot and must not be considered a “sexual orientation.”  First is the fact that when sexual orientation is a consideration it is generally deemed to be sexual practices between consenting adults.  Non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) is a crime regardless of whether it is gay or straight.  Consent is the key word.  Children, because of their emotional immaturity and because of the law, cannot legally give their consent for sexual contact.

The second reason is because sexual assault against a child is still illegal – whether or not pedophilia is someday classified as a form of sexual orientation.  If it makes Democrats feel better to pass a law that says pedophiles cannot be attacked physically because of their deviant sexual desires then hey – pass that law. After all - it's not illegal to have sexual desire for children if you never act on that desire.  But if they pass a law that gives pedophiles all the same protections as heteros, gays and transgenders, thus allowing them easier access to children through their employment, living arrangements, etc., and they do act on those desires, then the lawmakers themselves have that blood on their hands.   

I’m thinking if Alcee Hastings or Jackie Speier had a young child who was the object of desire for the pedophile living next door they might feel differently about classifying pedophilia as a protected sexual orientation.  Pedophiles should live in fear.  Every day.  But then – who really knows what goes on in the minds of most liberals?

While I do agree that Americans can't run around assaulting pedophiles on a regular basis just because of the crimes they commit, I can tell you with certainty that if they are granted protection under the Hate Crimes Act you will see murders of pedophiles increase.  Parents are not going to sit idly by and allow their children to be sexually assaulted with no chance of justice.  Mark my words.