"Is this an isolated case or a harbinger of worse to come? It's certainly possible that another overzealous prosecutor could try using the hate-crimes law to stifle religious speech. But widespread misuse is highly unlikely given the record of prosecutions under existing hate-crimes laws over several decades.

For all of the First Amendment debate, the real concern among conservative Christians may be more symbolic than legal. After all, even if the bill passes the Senate, a likely presidential veto will keep it from becoming law.

But the larger message of the House vote is that a majority of representatives may now be ready to enact other laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. More than threats to free speech, it is the mainstream acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people that many Christian conservative groups most fear.

That's why victory bells on one side are answered by alarm bells on the other."- Charles C. Haynes - First Amendment Center