quote:

ORIGINAL: jlf1961

In the US, a mass shooting, bombing etc motivated by religion is considered an act of terrorism, either domestic or otherwise.

However, if it is motivated due to race or sexual orientation, it is labeled a hate crime.

Now, and I am just spit balling here, but since the end desired result is to cause a sense of fear among those of the targeted group, would not the term terrorism be applicable?

By US legal definition, the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

While hate crimes do have a very harsh penalty, terrorism, even for those only guilty of aiding those committing the act, carries much harsher penalties, up to and including a death sentence.

My question, is since the end desired result is the same, why the hell dont they count as the same type of crime?

Both are basically motivated by hate, or hate inspired ideologies, so why not both be treated as such?