Criminal Justice Bill — [3rd Alloted Day] — New Clause 6 — 20 May 2003 at 17:15

Increase in sentences for hate crimes

'(1) In considering the seriousness of an offence which falls under the category of "hate crime" as set out in subsection (2), the court-

(a) must treat that fact as an aggravating factor (that is to say, a factor that increases the seriousness of the offence), and

(b) must state in open court that the offence was so aggravated.

(2) An offence is to be considered a hate crime for the purposes of section if-

(a) at the time of committing the offence, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrates towards the victim of the offence hostility based on the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation; or

(b) the offence is motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility towards people on the basis of their race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

(3) In this section "race" may be defined by reference to race, colour, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins.'.-[Mr. Heath.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Motion made, and Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:-

The House divided: Ayes 53, Noes 326.

Debate in Parliament | Historical Hansard | Source |