Clarksville Online (http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2007/08/19/breaking-down-myths-of-the-matthew-shepard-bill/)
By David W. Shelton | August 19, 2007
Of all of the hate-crime bills (that include sexual orientation and gender identity language) that has come down the pike in recent years, this is the first that was endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union. That's an immediate red flag to many conservatives, but it shouldn't be. The ACLU endorsed this bill precisely because it would not interfere with guaranteed first amendment rights, specifically free speech and freedom of religion.