FlyerInHI, speaking for myself, I take exception because punishments in this country are TOO severe as it is, and it costs both taxes and lives. Existing punishments for violent crimes are enough.

Secondly, why establish protected classes? Is it really worse to injure someone because of their orientation or race, than to do so because you don’t like them for other reasons?

Is the Black guy beat up by another Black guy because he was wearing a Red Sox hat after the Yankees lost the Series any less worthy of justice than an Asian guy beat up by a White guy because of his race? I’d think not.

Random violence FOR WHATEVER REASON should in itself be an aggravating factor. If there was provocation or a crime previously committed, as in the case of a man who killed a robber, then that should be taken into account as mitigation. Same goes for a simple assault during (let’s say) a bar-fight.