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

Hate crimes and hate speech offenses are offenses that target members of a certain group and are motivated by bias or prejudice. In Pennsylvania, a hate crime is a violent act committed against someone because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Hate speech is speech that is meant to denigrate or slander members of a certain group based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes are more serious offenses than hate speech offenses because hate crimes involve a physical act. Hate speech offenses are verbal and do not involve physical harm, though they can still have a profound and lasting impact on those targeted. Hate crimes can also be prosecuted more severely than hate speech offenses and carry a much higher penalty. Hate crimes also send a powerful message to the public that this type of behavior is not tolerated. When a hate crime is punished more severely, it sends a signal that this form of prejudice will not be accepted in society and that those responsible will face consequences. Hate speech offenses can also have serious consequences. Some states have laws that make it a criminal offense for someone to spread false information about someone because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It is important to remember that though hate speech offenses are not as serious as hate crimes, they can still have a devastating effect on those targeted.

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

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