(AgapePress) - Pastors in Pennsylvania are facing a new state law today that could mean they will be charged for simply preaching against homosexuality.

On Monday, the Ethnic Intimidation law in Pennsylvania called for longer jail terms and higher fines for crimes motivated by hatred against victims because of race, color, religion, or national origin. But with the stroke of a pen on Tuesday, Governor Mark Schweiker signed legislation amending that law to include the phrase: "ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity."

So what does that mean? According to The Washington Times, it means that someone who is convicted of attacking a homosexual because of his sexual orientation would face a longer jail term and stiffer fines -- just as a person does now for targeting a racial minority.

Advocates are calling the measure a "breakthrough for principles of tolerance and social justice." Critics, though, have a very different view.

Diane Gramley is president of the American Family Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She says the governor has bought into the lie that there is an epidemic of hate crimes against homosexuals in the state -- and that the law will allow "thought police" to decide the intentions of any perpetrator.

"The free-speech rights of those who do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle were taken away by the stroke of the governor's pen," Gramley says. "Pennsylvania's leadership has failed -- rather than show compassion and being honest with those caught in this destructive lifestyle, [Schweiker] has instead chosen to embrace and further help in legitimizing it."

Gramly also contends the legislation is plainly a homosexual special-rights law. She points out that despite the terminology added to the law, the bill was pushed by pro-homosexual groups -- not by those concerned with mental or physical disabilities.

According to The Times, the new law was drafted by a pro-homosexual group in Philadelphia -- the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights -- and had the support of Republicans and Democrats alike.

Laurel Lynn Petolicchio is a constitutional activist from Columbia, Pennsylvania. She tells The Times the new law poses particular risks for "conservative religious people who may very well find themselves hauled into court unless they keep their mouths shut."

She says this legislation basically sets up potential lawsuits against any minister or religious leader who publicly states that certain sexual behavior is immoral or improper.

One pastor quoted by The Times says he is already looking into getting insured against any legal actions he may face.

Another pastor says the law is bringing about what Christ warned: that Christians will be "hauled off and slaughtered for their beliefs." And while that concerns Pastor Frederick Bieber of the Hanoverdale Church of the Brethren, he says "that's the only way they're going to shut me up anyway."

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