Summary
A new amendment to the Crimes and Policing Bill proposes that hate crimes against people due to their sexuality, gender identity, or disability be treated as aggravated offences, which will lead to harsher penalties. This change aims to bring these crimes in line with those motivated by race and religion in England and Wales. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Lords.
Key Facts
- A proposed amendment to the Crimes and Policing Bill addresses hate crimes based on sexuality, gender identity, or disability.
- If the amendment becomes law, these crimes will be aggravated offences with higher penalties.
- Previously, such hate crimes could be acknowledged with an increased sentence on a broader charge, like assault.
- The amendment sets these hate crimes as defined charges, similar to race and religion-related offences.
- It applies to England and Wales and is still being reviewed by the House of Lords.
- Labour MP Rachel Taylor initiated the amendment, citing police data on over 30,000 linked hate crimes between 2024 and 2025.
- This legislative change is a government manifesto commitment and is supported by advocacy groups like Stonewall.
- The amendment also includes protection for victims targeted because of their sex.
