Defining, measuring, and interpreting hate crime/hate speech is not an easy task in theory and legal-institutional practice as it is a relatively new concept. However, hate as a phenomenon is not new in terms of human co-existence. Thus, focusing upon sociological theory, this chapter considers various debates on the definitions and meanings of hate crime/hate speech. Second, it considers the complexities of the historical, socio-political, and cultural context in Lithuania in which the hate crime/hate speech issue discussed in this chapter is embedded. Third, the chapter considers why the current legislation and policing initiatives are faced with opposition that sometimes hinders the effective protection of the vulnerable communities from hate crimes and hate speech and examines how these communities in Lithuania are affected and how they respond to hate crimes/hate speech.