I've heard this specious argument a hundred times. Seems like it never gets old for some.

"I don't hate gays, I just hate homosexuality." 
"I don't hate the Irish people, I just hate Ireland."
"I don't hate Jews, I just hate their religion."

Let's just call the argument what it is: an attempt to deny one's bigotry.

Characteristics that are intrinsic to a person's identity cannot be hated without hating the person that holds them. In Canada the core human attributes are: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. That's not my definition, it's explicitly stated in the Constitution of Canada.

Fundamental beliefs transcend all other human characteristics. Beliefs are intrinsic to every human being. No matter what your race, nationality, colour, sexuality, or physical or mental circumstances, you can be a Muslim. Or a Christian. Or an atheist. Beliefs are at the core of what makes us who we are.