The law is changing to equalise the treatment of hate crime for LGBTQ+ people
Today the Government have tabled an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which if passed, will make hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people an aggravated offence.
This is what we’ve been tirelessly campaigning for through our Hold My Hand campaign and comes after our work with Rachel Taylor MP to introduce a similar amendment when the Bill was debated in the House of Commons.
What will this mean?
Right now, although anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime is recognised in law, hate crimes based on race and/or religion can have higher maximum penalties than anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, because they are classified as aggravated offences.
When a crime is considered an ‘aggravated offence’, it means that it was committed under circumstances which increase the seriousness of the offence in the eyes of the courts, the victim has longer to access justice and the perpetrator will get a stronger sentence.
If this amendment is passed, it will send a powerful message that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal access to justice and that there is no hierarchy of hate.
Stonewall CEO Simon Blake said:
“This is a major step in the journey of LGBTQ+ equality. Putting hate crime against LGBTQ+ people on the same footing as religious and racial hate crime has always been the right thing to do. It sends a powerful message that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal access to justice and that there is no hierarchy of hate.
“Stonewall, and others, have campaigned hard for this change for many years; and we welcome that the Government is delivering on a manifesto commitment for LGBTQ+ people at a time when many in the community are feeling increasingly under threat.”
“Now that this amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill has been laid, Stonewall will continue to work hard with Government and Parliamentarians to make sure this vital change becomes law.”
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We know that LGBTQ+ people still face high levels of hate crime. At a time where many LGBTQ+ people are feeling uncertain about the future, this change would be an important milestone towards achieving equality for LGBTQ+ people under the law, and a powerful step towards LGBTQ+ safety.
We’re committed to creating a world where everyone, everywhere has equal rights, and your support helps us shape legislation that will change the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
