New aggravated hate crime law proposed

Proposals are afoot to make hate crimes that target people due to disability, gender or identity or sexuality an aggravated offence.

This would mean amending the Crime and Policing Bill to make hate crimes that target disabled or LGBTQ+ people akin to aggravated hate crimes on the grounds of race or religion. This would lead to the availability of higher maximum sentences for perpetrators.

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Galop, an anti-abuse LGBTQ+ charity has called the proposed amendments a ‘landmark’ step. The charity’s co-chief executive, Jasmine O’Connor, said there had been consistent increases in victims of LGBTQ+ hate crimes needing support, making the changes much-needed to demonstrate equal access to the criminal justice system.

London law firm professionals such as those at https://www.forsters.co.uk/, and others around the country, are watching closely as the bill progresses through the House of Lords. The bill itself is intended to address crimes such as public order and stalking crimes, as well as anti-social behaviour.

Equality for all

Many people view the amendment as a big step forward in the path to LGBTQ+ equality and increased redress for disabled people. There is a widespread opinion that crimes against these individuals deserve to be approached in the same way as racial and religious hate crimes, while sending out an important message that disabled and LGBTQ+ people deserve and need the same access to justice.

There have long-been campaigns for change and a Governmental manifesto commitment to LGBTQ+ rights was welcomed. This was seen as a positive move in making these communities feel safer and more protected.