24 MARCH 2010
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
MURRAY WELCOMES NEW HATE CRIME LEGISLATION

Elaine Murray MSP has today welcomed new hate crime legislation that puts hate crimes against disabled or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people on same footing as racist incidents.

The Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009 which was unanimously backed by Scottish Labour in the Scottish Parliament comes in to force today (Wednesday).

The commencement of the new legislation comes as figures were revealed by Stonewall Scotland highlighted that most LGBT people had been verbally abused and one in three had been physically attacked. (1)

Elaine Murray MSP said: "It has been clear for far too long that victims do not feel confident in coming forward and reporting hate crime because they don’t believe it will make a difference. That has to change and I’m pleased this new legislation has now come into force.

"There can never be any excuse for hate crime. This legislation sends a clear message that hate crime will be dealt with by the full force of the law.

"By giving greater sentencing powers I hope that hate crime victims will feel that if they come forward they will get the support they need."

ENDS

CONTACT – ANDREW MACKENZIE 07769206856

NOTES TO EDITORS

(1) The Stonewall Scotland survey found that:

- Two thirds of LGBT people have been verbally abused

- One third of LGBT have been physically attacked

- A quarter of LGBT people said they viewed verbal abuse as part of life as a gay or transgender person
- 61% of those physically attacked did not report it to the police
- Police stations across Scotland to display stickers to show it is safe to report hate crime.

For the full findings of the Stonewall Scotland survey see:
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/scotland/media/current_releases/3769.asp