Well, we've always looked at what criminals were thinking when they committed their crimes. Intent is an important part of determining the severity of a crime.
We can argue about what criteria we use in determining, and what should or should not be included, but not the process itself. This is no closer to "hate crimes" than stiffer penalties for those who kill cops as opposed to regular citizens.
Interesting point and one I hadn't considered. How is "intent" determined? As a layman I think murder is murder whether the victim is a cop or a homosexual.
But after a little reflection, it seems to me it's entirely justifiable to demand stiffer penalties for cop killers. Police are representatives of all citizens and are empowered by the law, which represents us all. Anyone who flouts the law itself is flouting society as a whole. My point is that "hate crimes" legislation is bad law. Do you approve of it?