"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,"
"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."
"At a time when our services are seeing consistent rises in LGBT+ hate crime victims seeking support, this long-overdue change sends a clear message that anti-LGBT+ hate crime is as deserving of justice as crimes motivated by religious or racial hate."
An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill would classify hate crimes motivated by sexuality, gender identity or disability as aggravated offences carrying higher maximum sentences, aligning them with racially and religiously aggravated hate crimes. The measure is progressing through the House of Lords and forms part of broader provisions addressing anti-social behaviour, offensive weapons, sexual offences, stalking and public order. Campaign and advocacy groups welcomed the change as a significant step toward equal access to justice for LGBTQ+ and disabled victims. Groups also highlighted rising numbers of LGBT+ hate crime victims seeking support and the need for the amendment to become law.
Read at PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news
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