"The bill will bring hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ and disabled people in-line with racially and religiously aggravated hate crimes, meaning they too will carry a higher maximum sentencing penalty. It will now go to the Commons to consider changes, before it becomes law."
"Stonewall CEO Simon Blake said the passing of the bill 'sends a powerful message that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal access to justice'. Blake added: '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.'"
"Alongside higher sentences, anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes being treated as an aggravated offence will mean victims have more time to access justice. Between March 2024 and 2025 more than 30,000 hate crimes against people in England and Wales had been recorded by police as linked to their sexual orientation, transgender identity, or disability."
The House of Lords approved an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that elevates LGBTQ+ and disabled hate crimes to aggravated offence status, matching the legal treatment of racially and religiously motivated hate crimes. This change increases maximum sentencing penalties and extends the time victims have to access justice. The amendment, initially proposed by Labour MP Rachel Taylor, will now proceed to the Commons for consideration before becoming law. Over 30,000 hate crimes targeting sexual orientation, transgender identity, or disability were recorded in England and Wales between March 2024 and 2025. Stonewall CEO Simon Blake emphasized the amendment sends a message that LGBTQ+ people deserve equal justice access.
#lgbtq-rights #hate-crime-legislation #criminal-justice-reform #equal-protection-under-law #disability-rights
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