> Thought crimes are an abomination. <
You’re exactly right. If he committed battery, charge him with battery, period.
As I’m sure you will agree, “hate crime” laws are particularly insidious because they can be applied to anyone, anywhere. It’s just another tool in Big Brother’s toolbox. As the old saying goes, if they want ya, they got ya.
Hate crimes are a step towards outlawing the thought, without there being a real crime.
My posts alone are probably enough to keep me from visiting the UK!