What is wrong with being charged with a hate crime?

[Bird222]

I mean we have degrees of other crimes so why is a 'hate crime' really any different?

 

[LPCTech]

Its meant to be an additional incentive for racists/bigots to keep it to themselves.

 

[IronWing]

I'm not on-board with hate crime laws. I understand that intent has a role to play in evaluating a crime but a second charge based on intent alone strikes me as too much punishing thought instead of conduct.