What is the difference between a hate crime and a hate speech offense?

Hate crimes and hate speech offenses are two distinct criminal acts that are legally defined in New York. A hate crime is a criminal act that targets an individual because of a characteristic identified as protected under the law. Protected characteristics typically include race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes are typically violent or non-violent acts that can include assault, vandalism, arson, or theft. In contrast, a hate speech offense is an act that involves a threatening statement or gesture motivated by bias against a protected group. Hate speech offenses can include social media posts, yelling racial slurs, or displaying signs or symbols of hate with the intent to frighten or offend another group. Although these behaviors may not involve acts of violence, they are still criminal offenses in New York. Hate crimes are prosecuted more severely than hate speech offenses, as they involve more direct acts of bias and often result in physical or psychological harm. It is important to know the differences between the two, and to recognize that these are serious criminal acts and should be handled appropriately.

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What is the difference between a hate crime and a hate speech offense?

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