Having been raised around a whole bunch of people who had these little numbers tattooed on their arms, I can see how some might think it's a great idea to curb the speech or intents of others, but ironically, those very people with the tattoos would always be the first ones to defend the rights of others to express themselves freely, regardless of how it might personally offend them, because. as they explained it to me when I was young, they knew only too well what happens when government starts deciding what is, or is not permitted in public discussion.

They have stiffer penalties for hate crimes, and I totally support that!

It may be poorly named, but the thing that distinguishes HATE CRIMES from other crimes is that the crime is directed at a class of people and that class is evident in the commission of the crime.

You rob and beat a man, that's assault and robbery. BUT rob and beat a man because he's gay, you threaten ALL gay men. In the second case you have caused injury to a whole class of people - that's what makes it worse.

Hate crimes? passion crimes? Emotional crimes should be defined. It is one thing shooting or stabbing a person til they die, But it is something else if they have 100+ stab wounds or multiple beatings and mutiliations which continued to be inflicted after the body is dead. People who hate get very ugly and out of control and have no remorse to stop.
I'm with you on people getting offended by things said. Nobody can control how other people feel. If you did not intend to offend people and they get offended, then they have a personal problem and should grow up.
People just need to grow some balls, act like human beings and assert themselves. If something bothers them, let's talk it out. We are all adult humans here Let your neighbors know their smoking bother's you and is getting into your house, Ask your co-worker to stop slacking. It isn't only regarding religion.

When there are attacks on masjeds, synagogues, temples, etc. - I have no problem with calling it a hate crime. If someone grabs the hijab off a woman's head, I have no problem with calling it a hate crime. Others may disagree with me about what constitutes a hate crime and "ordinary" crime - disagreement is okay with me.

NO! Hate can motivate crime when need alone might not. Hate also likely to increase a crime’s violence.
Re your final sentence, your lack of religion may free you to do harms the gov’t has not made unlawful.

Once again I agree with you there ought to be consequences for actions taken that hurt other people but the thought should not be the issue

No it's a real thing, ask blacks,jews,and Hispanics and native Americans . It's also a category when you can't get other crimes to fit like recent attacks on synagogues and NAACP

No it's a real thing, ask blacks,jews,and Hispanics and native Americans

A Hate Crime in the EU and the U.K.(at the moment they remain the same despite Brexit) is defined as the following:- “something that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law”. I have no idea what laws may exist in other countries such as the USA with regards to this issue,

I don't share your view at all.. Crimes committed because of hatred is an abomination...