When is the Protected Hate Speech No Longer Protected?
A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate, which, for various reasons, is not considered a crime. Examples of hate incidents include:
- Name-calling
- Insults
- Displaying hate material on one’s property
- Posting hate material that doesn’t lead to property damage
- Distributing materials with hate messages in public places
However, such hate incidents in educational institutions can still be reported as harassment or hate crimes if they interfere with the Title VI of the Human Rights Act, targeting a protected class or group.
A hate crime is an offense against a person, group, or property driven by the victim’s actual or perceived protected social category. You might be a victim of a hate crime if you’re targeted due to your:
- Disability
- Gender
- Nationality
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics
Hate crimes are grave offenses that can lead to imprisonment.
Although the U.S. Constitution allows hate speech, it’s impermissible if it infringes upon others’ civil rights. While such acts are hurtful, they don’t qualify as criminal offenses and may not lead to prosecution. Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize the distressing impact of these incidents on both the victims and the broader community.
In California, as per the Ralph Act, Civil Code § 51.7, your civil rights might be violated if you face hate violence or threats – even if the event doesn’t qualify as a hate crime and is otherwise constitutionally protected from prosecution. This can be due to your actual or perceived attributes such as sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, political affiliation, or position in a labor dispute. A civil violation can lead to restraining orders, damages, a $25,000 civil penalty, and attorney’s fees.
What are the five signs to classify the behavior as hate crimes?
The following are the five signs that the incident raises to Hate Crime:
- The offender chose the victim or property because they belonged to a protected group, like:
- Religion
- Race
- Country of origin
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- The offender made written or verbal comments showing a prejudice.
- The crime happened on a date that is important for the victim
- The crime happened on a date that is important for the offender
- There is organized hate activity in the area
