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.
If someone beat your mother to paralysis with a pipe because she cut them off in traffic. and someone beat your buddy up because he was gay. you actually think the guy who beat your buddy up because he was gay should get a stiffer sentence based soely on his reasons?
I think the viciousness of the attack should be the only concern. there are civil remedies for the harassment aspect of any crime.
