To the Editor:

Fears about the pending federal hate crimes law -- the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Act -- censoring or inhibiting religion are simply unfounded ("Pastors attack Cohen on bill," August 2nd).  In fact, the Act explicitly protects freedom of religion and speech by stating that nothing in the law "shall be construed to prohibit expressive conduct protected ... by the free speech and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment to the Constitution."

Hate-crime laws only penalize criminal acts -- such as murder, assault and vandalism -- that are motivated by bias and bigotry. And just as in any criminal case, the bias motive must be proven with evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, usually through statements made during the commission of the crime. 

Hate crimes tear at our nation's core values, strike fear within victimized groups, and polarize entire communities.  These vital laws help protect religious freedom by providing necessary penalties against criminals who target victims because of their religion and other characteristics.