Reply #3: I've always had mixed feelings about Hate Crime laws [View All]

[cobalt1999]

Assault & Murder are already crimes with severe penalties.

Hate Crime legislation puts the government in the position of punishing you additionally just because of your motives. That to me is disturbing. You can be charged and serve time due to your motives and thoughts.

Personally, I think the police & prosecutors should just enforce the existing laws. If you attack someone because you don't like they are gay or if you want their shoes, you should be punished. I don't buy the "extra" punishment because they are gay.