Where is this 'lifestyle choice' language coming from? I think it's wrong to call homosexuality a lifestyle choice, and using it as an analogy for the goth lifestyle is plainly misdirected. I'm sorry, they are not the same.

That being said, the American definition of a hate crime is as follows:

The FBI collects data regarding criminal offenses that are motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against a race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or disability and are committed against persons, property, or society. Because motivation is subjective, it is difficult to know with certainty whether a crime resulted from the offender’s bias. Moreover, the presence of bias alone does not necessarily mean that a crime can be considered a hate crime. If law enforcement investigation reveals sufficient evidence to lead a reasonable and prudent person to conclude that the offender’s actions were motivated, in whole or in part, by his or her bias, then the incident should be reported as a hate crime.

An argument to demonstrate bias is a good one for Sophie Lancaster, but you also have to ask whether violence against any stereotype at all could be a hate crime. Not to diminish the suffering here, but what kind of law is proposed here? Should we include nerds and fat people?

This was a violent crime, and the perpetrators will be duly punished. That is what the law is there for and its application here is entirely appropriate. I don't think this has been well thought out, and who knows how Sophie's family might feel about this. :( Maybe I should just contact Rebecca myself, I think her heart's in the right place, but if any action is needed GHU should ask the family what they would want for her memory.

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