Actions based upon hatred against a person because of their sexual orientation would now be deemed more atrocious than crimes with other motivation. This bill sought to intensify the penalty for these so-called hate crimes. This bill creates special rights for homosexuals to be treated differently based on their membership in a protected class.
All violent crimes are odious regardless of the motivation.
Speaking first in favor of the bill was Richmond Mayor Tim Kaine. Mayor Kaine attempted to show a pattern of crimes motivated by hatred based on sexual orientation. He mentioned the vandalism of a local gay and lesbian church several years ago in order to prove the need for this legislation. Steve Collechi represented the Catholic Diocese of Richmond stating that while the Catholic Church does not condone homosexual acts, they also do not condone violence against homosexuals. Fletcher Lowe of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy spoke in support of the legislation as well.