A hate crime is a criminal act targeted at a person because of their race, religion, sexuality, gender, or disability. Hate crimes go against the fundamental values of equality, justice, and love that most religions teach. They are often motivated by prejudice, fear, envy, or revenge, but from a religious perspective, they harm individuals, break the sanctity of life, and damage the wider community. Hate crimes are not only illegal under state law but are also strongly condemned by religious teachings.