Mark my words - as more and more of these special thought crimes statutes get passed, homosexuals will be instigating fights themselves. Think about it - two men get in an argument. Now the homosexual will be more inclined to get into a physical fight, knowing that the other combatant will be prosecuted more harshly. George Orwell predicted as much.
In the late 1970s, I was a college student in Atlanta. On those visits home, I’d take a Greyhound Bus from Atlanta-Chattanooga and return. From bus station to campus was a trek through the downtown ‘projects’ (no longer there - torn down / replaced during the 1996 Olympics). I’d often make that walk between midnight and 1AM and was never bothered.
However, on one bus ride travelling home, an older fellow, probably in his 50s sat beside me. He wanted me to stay at his place for the night and would pay me $50. He started rubbing my leg and was insistent that I join him.
As a 19 yo, I was both embarrased and disgusted at the same time. Nothing like this had ever happened to me. I got up, brushed past him, and got another seat. Further attempts would have made me mad enough to physically harm him - but he left me alone.
Had I slugged him, would it have been a hate crime? Today, probably so. After all, it would have been my word against his. We were both adults and there wouldn’t have been any proof he’d done anything.
Personally, I’d rather the gays just get back in the closet. If there are so many gay-haters out there looking to beat them up, wouldn’t it be safer for the gays? Turns out the out-of-the-closet, in-your-face gay movement is getting the special privleges they want ... and next they’re coming after our kids and grandkids.