Published: November 05, 2009 10:38 pm      

Lawmaker plans hate crimes bill response

OKLAHOMA CITY — A state lawmaker said he plans to file legislation to protect Oklahomans from encroachments on speech, assembly and religious beliefs.

Sen. Steve Russell of Oklahoma City said the measure is a response to concerns about new federal hate crimes legislation. President Barack Obama signed a bill last month to include violence against gays in federal hate crimes law.

Russell said he believe’s the bill exceeds the government’s power over the states as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

He said he’s also concerned the bill could be used to target people’s beliefs, freedom to associate in groups and right to assemble as well as target people’s right to free speech.