Why do hate crimes get a much worse sentence than crimes of the generic variety?

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damselfly · 100+, F

Hate is the motivation behind a crime of the generic variety; that's what a hate crime is. They are crimes perpetrated against victims (murder, harassment, grievous bodily harm, rape, etc) because you hate who or what (you think) they are

Invisible · 26-30, M

@damselfly if that's the case, then why is there a distinction between normal crime and hate crime? Isn't that unfair as it leads to vastly different sentences for the same crimes?

damselfly · 100+, F

@Invisible No, thats a misapprehension. Hate crimes are so called because there is no gain for the perpetrator. Sentences are generally calculated for convictions based on consequences. So a hate crime which incites or encourages others will theoretically earn the perp a sentence designed to discourage copycats. The legal world isn't anywhere near hysteria point as tabloid headlines would have you believe