"I do not particularly care what motivates people - be it imaginary heavenly creatures or anger over the course of events or policies that I strongly oppose as well."
"Intent" is a big part of US law for a pretty sound reason. Namely, it does matter what motivates a perpetrator, be it race hatred, murderous desire, some other grievance -- or whether what was done was accidental, etc.
I think motivations are important in this issue, as well.
-B.