Crimes that are rooted in hate require special measures. A crime is a crime, and they should all be handled the same. I'm not sure. Theft, burglary, tax evasion, murder, even euthinasia. All are crimes founded in hate.
Crime is crime as pregnancy is pregnancy.
Not until citizens realize the freedoms we have lost and are losing and begin shouting. In my opinion, hate crimes are premeditate. Just as premeditation is a qualification for capital murder, I feel that premeditation exists and penalties for hate crimes hould be automatic and severe. The world will never see true peace until hatred is defeated. Yes, crime is crime.