The law is changing - Crime & Policing Bill has been amended to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence
Today we've succeeded in our campaign to amend the Crime & Policing Bill to equalise the punishment of hate crime. Today, the aggravated offence amendment was agreed by the House of Commons, meaning we’re another step closer to the law changing.
This comes after an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence, was voted through by the House of Lords earlier in March.
What happens next?
The measures to equalise the treatment of hate crime cannot be removed from the Bill at this stage, which is a huge achievement and a positive step forward. Now we need to wait for Parliament to resolve disagreements on other elements of the Bill and for the legislation to receive Royal Assent, at which point we will have changed the law.
This is something Stonewall has relentlessly campaigned for, most recently with our Hold My Hand campaign. At a time when many in the LGBTQ+ community are feeling worried about the future, this vital change in the law will deliver much-needed equality in hate crime legislation.
Stonewall CEO Simon Blake said:
“Today we are celebrating a moment of progress on the journey to LGBTQ+ equality – the Crime & Policing Bill has been amended to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence. Putting hate crime against LGBTQ+ people on the same footing as religious and racial hate crime has always been the right thing to do.
"The LGBTQ+ community is facing turbulent times, rights are being rolled back across the world and the climate feels increasingly hostile. This change in law will send a powerful message that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal access to justice and is a much-needed step in the right direction.
“Effective advocacy matters now more than ever. Stonewall and others have campaigned tirelessly for this change; I am proud to see it one step closer to becoming a reality and look forward to it being written into law.”
What would this change in law mean?
Although anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime was recognised in law, hate crimes based on race and/or religion had higher maximum penalties than LGBTQ+ hate crime because they were classified as aggravated offences.
When the law changes, anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes will be considered more serious offences in the eyes of the courts and perpetrators will get stronger sentences and victims will have more time to access justice.
This sends a strong message that these hate crimes are taken seriously and there is no hierarchy of hate.
Donate to help fund more work like this
We’re committed to shaping policies and legislation which improves the lives of LGBTQ+ people day in, day out. We are determined to educate, motivate, and inspire lawmakers to support equality, and continue shaping the legislative and policy to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
Our campaigning and policy work has already helped shape policies that make a real difference to LGBTQ+ lives. But right now, we’re seeing rollbacks on LGBTQ+ rights across the world, and our work has never been more urgent.
Your support keeps this vital work going. If you would like to help us continue to achieve more successes for the LGBTQ+ community like this one, then please consider donating today.
