[Señor Zorro]

That's the concept. It's not about separating victim groups, rather addressing the motivation of the criminal.

Exactly, but it is the deed that matters, not the motivation. The motivation itself didn't do anything. The action, by definition, did. Whatever the intent of the laws, they still have the effect of promoting some groups over others, because the penalty is heavier for crimes against some groups than others. Once again, action over intent.

[SJackson]

Yes, but motivation is a legitimate factor in sentencing. Which is essentially where in practice it resides in the states, though I admit often through laws which address motivation before the fact rather than in the sentencing process.

Again, this law, which I oppose, doesn't support some groups over others. For example, any religious based crime would fall under it's umbrella, it's not limited to minority religions. Same with race and sexual orientation, though I acknowlege there aren't many assaults on hetereosexuals based on their orientation. If there were, they'd be actionable.