One of the impending dangers of the drive by homosexuals for acceptance and approval is showing up in the pressure on legislators to enact hate speech laws. They have succeeded in getting hate crime laws passed that go beyond normal criminal proceedings. Hate speech laws are their next objective.

Where a murder was once a murder, now it can also be prosecuted as a hate crime with additional penalties. Many countries are yielding to pressure in the name of "tolerance" and "diversity."

In Canada, sodomites succeeded in getting a judge to fine one Christian for placing a small newspaper ad listing Bible verses condemning homosexuality.

A printer in Ontario, Canada was fined $5,000 for refusing to do printing for a homosexual activist group. Justification for the penalties was that the actions exposed homosexuals "to hatred, ridicule, and their dignity was affronted on the basis of their sexual orientation."

In England, in 2002, a street preacher was fined over 600 British pounds for harassment after a crowd of about 40 protesters surrounded him and pelted him with dirt and water. He was carrying a placard saying "Stop immorality. Stop Homosexuality. Stop Lesbianism." One protester called police and complained that he felt threatened and that the preacher was inciting people to attack homosexuals. In addition to the stiff fine, the judged ordered his placard destroyed.

Several states in Europe have laws that criminalize hate speech against homosexuals. The European Union leadership is currently debating same-sex marriages although some of the member countries already recognize same-sex unions.

Christians are fearful that the laws protecting free speech will be nullified by conflicting laws such as Ireland's 1989 Incitement to Hatred Act that outlaws literature intended to stir up hatred.

As laws against "incitement" are put in place, the picture gets much more complicated than when a crime of violence occurs with a possible "hate" motive. For example, in Brazil, two Christians were fined last year for distributing gospel tracts on the beach. Two Umbanda and Candomble spiritist groups complained that the literature disparaged their religion and accused the soul winners of violating Brazil's hate crime law. The judge agreed, fined each an equivalent of $300 and warned them that if they did not stop proselytizing spiritists they would face stiffer penalties next time.

Around the world, laws are evolving that threaten the spread of the gospel. Some countries are more advanced than others.

One state in India has gone as far as passing an anti-conversion bill. The law provides for three years in prison for any conversion that is by "use of force, allurement or by fraudulent means." In addition, all conversions must be approved by a local government official or risk one year in jail.

In Singapore, "religious harmony" laws are in place to discourage soul winning. Any literature that implies that another religion is wrong or sinful is forbidden. No Chick tracts are allowed there that contain any suggestion that another religion will not get you to heaven.

The freedom enjoyed by Americans to share the gospel is rare in other parts of the world. That freedom was hard won by the founders, and today, soldiers are giving their lives, to protect that freedom.

The chokehold that Satan has on the gospel in other nations could come to America if we are not vigilant. He is using the homosexual issue to promote "tolerance." But where that tolerance has been established, it does not apply to the gospel. Biblical truth is declared "intolerant" and squelched. If this evil prevails, soul winning may become much more difficult or impossible.