I do understand that, and I do think that there needs to be heavier penalties for hate crimes. I know the average joe doesn't see the need, but anyone of a minority group will tell you that being subjected to violent activity on account of your colour/gender/sexuality is a very real, very terrifying prospect. And the outcomes of such attacks are more often than not more vicious and degrading than the average random violent act.
It's already against the law to assault people. And when an assault is especially violent or degrading the penalties are already enhanced without reference to the victim's race/gender/sexuality. Instead the enhancement is based on what it should be based on: the level of injury to the victim.
So, really, there's no need for the law. But once the law takes effect and broadens the existing law you get into the problem I'm pointing out.
