DanovichFV wrote:
Perhaps what is needed are tougher sentences for crimes that are just plain heinous.

I disagree with "hate" crimes legislation as it assumes an intent that may or may not be present. Further, it creates classes of victims and makes crimes by one group against another more serious than the reverse.

I do agree with strict laws on intimidation and feel that a crime committed to terrorize a group of individuals deserves a stiff punishment, but I do not necessarily agree with the "hate" crime legislation as currently applied. Perhaps it is the politicization of the application of the law.
Agreed.

Syll, my main issue with hate crimes isn't what they're called. It's that two identical crimes, one motivated by irrational hatred of a person because of the sneakers they wore, and another because of the color of the victims skin, would get two different penalties.