Buzzwords: Hate crime/Assault Weapon
While there are relative "common sense" definitions of what these terms ought to mean, what the actually seem to mean depends entirely on the view point of the individual.
Really, other than a paperwork error on a Govt form, what kind of crime isn't a hate crime? Hate is involved in every crime. Perpetrators hate something (their situation, lack of something, percieved victim status, etc., etc.,) no matter what it happens to be, there is something they hate. And I think it entirely reasonable to assume that victims hate being victims (either before or after the fact).
The fact that our Govt has chosen to believe that the motivation for a crime makes a difference, and should warrant specific additional punishment, seems to me to be a violation of civil rights. People are not being treatred equally under the law, because of their beliefs. Is this right?, and equally important, is this acceptable under the Constitution? Our current Govt. says it is, by their actions. I don't agree. Why does not matter (other than as an intellectual excersize). What matters. How does not matter, or should not. Gun control laws are targeted at the How, not the What. We have had laws since the beginning covering the What.
Hate crime laws increase penalties for the Why. Why do we waste our time with the Why, when all that really matters to the victims is the What. Victims are not any less murdered by being murdered because they were the wrong color. Nor are they any less murdered by being strangled instead of being shot, or shot with a gun that holds 30 bullets.
As far as maintaining a relationship with someone who has opposing social/political views, sure, to a point, and depending on the kind of relationship. A professional relationship? Fine, no problem, as long as they remain civil. A romantic relationship? Doubtful, unless both parties can keep taboo subjects completely outside of the relationship. Possible, but not likely.