It is a form of domestic terrorism against a particular group or religion. Hate crimes legislation does not focus on the perpetrator's ideas but rather on criminal actions based upon those ideas. America takes pride in being a country where tolerance for others is held in high regard. When one group is singled out for violence, a strong response is needed. For example, when someone sets fire to a synagogue or church, it is taken more seriously than other incidents of arson.
Federal law is inadequate.
The federal statute, more than 30 years old and currently used to prosecute hate violence in America, is in dire need of updating. It does not cover hate violence based on sexual orientation, gender or disability. Further, the law has an overly restrictive element that requires that the victim was chosen because he was engaged in a federally protected activity, such as voting or going to school. A bill is now pending before Congress, the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, that would correct these problems in current law. State laws are not adequate, either.