Morag Alexander, the Scottish Commissioner for the Equality & Human Rights Commission today welcomed the introduction of Patrick Harvie MSP's, Sentencing of Offences Aggravated by Prejudice (Scotland) Bill.
Speaking today Mrs Alexander said:
"This Bill is long overdue and is to be greatly welcomed. We know that both disabled people and people from Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered communities face harassment and abuse simply because of who they are. Currently there is legislation which allows judges to take into account the motivation for the harassment of people on the grounds of their race or religion, but until now Judges have had no powers to take account of homophobic or prejudiced motivations. Patricks Bill will extend the law enabling Judges to specifically address motivations and reflect it in their sentences, making sure that the punishment reflects the crime.
Regrettably two thirds of LG BT people in Scotland report being verbally abused or threatened by someone because of their presumed sexual orientation. A fifth of disabled people also report being harassed because of their condition - people with learning disabilities or mental health problems being particularly targeted.
This isn't about bullying and it isn't about being politically correct. We need this amendment because we need to send a message to the small minority of Scots who seem to think its ok to verbally abuse or harass someone simply because of who they are. It means, for example, that judges will be able to identify and refer offenders to counselling or therapies which help them to face up to their prejudices and its consequences".
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Notes to editors:
Patrick Harvie MSP introduced the Sentencing of Offences Aggravated by Prejudice (Scotland) Bill into the Scottish parliament today. The Bill extends current arrangements for an aggravation of racial or religious grounds to those of disability and homophobia.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 07970541369