How would an anti-hate crimes law affect Christians?

Bologna!

Our laws focus on intent all the time. If a person kills another person, the intent is key in determining whether it is manslaughter, murder one, or murder two. This determins whether you spend 10-15 years in prison for your actions-- or get the death penalty.

Determining intent is an important job of the jury. I sat on a jury where we had to decide whether an attack was "attempted murder" or just "assault with a deadly weapon". This distinction was very important in determining the severity of sentence for the defendant.

We discussed this distinction at length and arrived at a pretty clear consensus as to whether the defendant intended to kill his victim based on the evidence.

First of all, I know that Jesus' blood was shed for MY sins, as well as ALL people. Secondly, because I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior, the 10 commandment law is written on my heart and in my head. I try to follow the 10 commandment law because it is a part of me through Christ being a part of me.

Matt:15-3 But Jesus answered and said to them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Matt:19- 16,17
16And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.