federal hate crime legislation

Federal hate crime legislation enhances penalties for crimes motivated by bias against a person's race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. These laws aim to address and deter violence and hostility directed at individuals or groups based on who they are. They do not create new crimes but impose stricter punishments when a hate motive is proven. The legislation helps ensure that crimes rooted in prejudice are recognized and appropriately penalized within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the protection of all individuals from bias-motivated violence and discrimination.