What IS a Hate Crime?

Hate Crime

Any criminal act or attempted criminal act directed against a person or persons by another based upon the victim's actual or perceived race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability. The definition will vary from state to state in regards to protected classes.

Hate Incident

Non-criminal conduct which is motivated by hatred, prejudice or bigotry and directed at any individual, residence or house of worship, institution or business expressly because of the victim's (person or institution) real or perceived race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability. Hate incidents also include conduct directed against an individual or group because of their association or advocacy on behalf of a member or members of a protected class. A hate incident might include hate speech, display or offensive materials on one's property, the distribution of hate materials in public places and the posting of hate materials that does not result in property damage.

Hate Group

An organization whose primary purpose is to promote animosity, hostility, and malice against persons belonging to a racial, religious, ethnic, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental or physical disability group which differs from that of the members of the organization.

Protected Classes

Protected classes for the purpose of imposition of state criminal liability include: race, nationality, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, mental and physical disability. This definition will vary from state to state in regards to protected classes.