George Costanza
A Friendly Liberal
What data backs this claim up? And details if you will. How are they victimized by the majority?
How many white guys you ever hear about that died on the end of a rope with a mob of black guys, all wearing white robes and hoods, standing around laughing? How often do you hear about a nation of jews killing six million nazis? How often do you hear about a gay guy dousing a straight guy with gasoline and setting fire to him just because he's straight?
Why should anyone be considered more worthy of greater legal protection?
I can't remember where I got this, but it answers your question very well, I think:
"Hatred causing violence is a social problem of sufficient scope and persistence to require special measures by legislators and law enforcement to secure the safety of the groups targeted by hate crimes. One who can be moved to violence by hatred of a class of people presents greater a danger to society than one who merely hates an individual. If normal punishments are inadequate deterrents, then additional punishments may deter crimes motivated by hate. Additionally, hate crimes laws protect all groups, not just minorities and women."
The government is not able to read a person's mind.
They are if the person is leading a mob hanging a gay person and screaming that the victim is a " God damn faggot!" as he kicks the barrel out from under him.
Virtually all hate crimes that are prosecuted involve very clear statements being made by the perp during the commission of the crime that leave no doubt whatsoever that a hate crime is being committed.