The House of Representatives passed legislation last week to add sexual orientation and gender to the list of categories covered by federal "hate-crimes" laws.

"Pedophilia is one of the scores of sexual orientations that are included, that are protected, that are granted special preferred status under this legislation to the exclusion of other classifications of people," says Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel.

He spoke with Greg Corombos of Radio America/WND. The audio of the exchange is embedded here:

Republican opponents of the legislation claim Democrat supporters of the measure are not being clear about who exactly will receive special protections under the bill.

"Bestiality, pedophilia ... pick your poison," adds Barber.

He says the legislation "shocks the conscience" and is clearly unconstitutional because it "guarantees unequal protection under the law."

"It's denying protections for veterans, for homeless people, for the elderly that it's granting pedophiles."

Democrat Sens. Edward Kennedy and Patrick Leahy have produced matching legislation in the U.S. Senate, and President Obama supports the measure.

Related special offers:

For only $10.95, any member of the public can send letters to all 100 senators, individually addressed and "signed" by the sender.

"Kinsey: Crimes & Consequences"

"Back Fired," by William J. Federer, shows how the faith that gave birth to tolerance is no longer tolerated!

"The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom"

"The Gay Agenda: It's Dividing the Family, the Church, and a Nation"

Sen. Tom Coburn's "Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders into Insiders"

"CRIMINALIZING CHRISTIANITY"

"Betrayed by the Bench"