[Bush2000]

What a load of crap. If there is an assault, then punish it as such.

It is punished as such. The difference is that there's an added penalty for people who specifically target others based on hatred.

No extra punishment because the victim is gay.

That's not the way the law works. Prosecutors have to show cause that a defendant was motivated by hatred. Merely asserting that a defendant hates someone isn't enough. There has to be tangible evidence.

That is just stupid. Pretty soon it will be a hate crime to call someone a liberal.

Remind me of the last time you were hauled into court for exercising your First Amendment rights. I'd really like to know. You're on weak ground.

[Feiny]

I don't think it is relevant if the crime was committed due to hatred. Black people commit crimes against whites because they "hate whitey"....but it is NEVER prosecuted as such.

Murder is against the law. If I am killed, the criminal will get 25 to life....if I am gay...the guy will do 50? Why is his sexual preference involverd in determining the punishment. That is not equal protection, that is special protection. You are the one on shaky ground. I hope someone contests this law....but I doubt it will happen in this liberal utopia.