Definition of hate crime

The term "hate crime" emerged in the United States during the 1980s to describe criminal acts committed against individuals based on their perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity. The term gained popularity after a series of high-profile incidents, including the murder of a young gay man in New York City, highlighted the need for a legal framework to address crimes motivated by prejudice and hate. The first recognized use of the term "hate crime" can be traced back to a report by the National Congress of American Indians in 1982, which defined such crimes as "symbolic violence" aimed at intimidating or injuring minority communities. The concept of hate crimes gained recognition in the legislative arena in 1984, when the California Penal Code included a provision enhancing penalties for crimes committed with "malicious and sadistic intent" against a "greatly outnumbered" group based on race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. This model was later adopted by several other states, leading to the passage of federal hate crime legislation in 1990 and 2009. The research on hate crimes has shown that such crimes not only harm individuals and communities but also contribute to broader social inequalities by undermining civil rights, liberties, and democratic values. As a result, many countries have adopted similar legal frameworks to address hate crimes, recognizing the need to protect the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of their perceived identities.