Menu
31/01/2022
Public Urged To Help Develop New Hate Crime Bill
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the launch of a new public consultation on the development of a Hate Crime Bill, which will be taken forward in the next Assembly mandate.
Calling for input from the public on the Bill, Naomi Long said: "As Justice Minister, one of my key priorities has been to improve support and legislative protections for victims. When someone is targeted because of who they are, where they are from, or what they believe, it is simply unacceptable. More than that, it is wrong and it is criminal. Hate crime can take many forms and as a society we all need to play our part in helping to combat it.
"That is why I am proposing that a new Hate Crime Bill be introduced for Northern Ireland, building on recommendations from a comprehensive and wide-ranging independent review of hate crime legislation commissioned by the Department of Justice and carried out by Judge Desmond Marrinan."
The Public consultation will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one, which began today and runs for eight weeks, will publicly consult on a number of policy issues currently being developed for a forthcoming Hate Crime Bill, with plans for a second public consultation in the new mandate on the remaining issues.
The first phase will focus on the following areas:
• A new statutory aggravation model, which will allow the 'hate' factor of an offence to be recognised at the start of the investigation stage, through the prosecution process and on conviction;
• Sectarian Offending - definition of sectarianism and a proposed sectarian aggravator in the context of hate crime;
• Stirring Up Offences including the repeal of the dwelling defence and replacing it with a private conversations defence; and asking if the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should personally take decisions for stirring up hatred prosecutions;
• Special measures and protection from cross-examination for victims of hate crime; and
• A call for views, exploring Misogyny/Transmisogyny in Hate Crime Law.
The Justice Minister added: "My Department has already engaged in a series of targeted workshops with partners and presentations have also been provided to organisations as a pre-cursor to this public consultation, including those who represent victims of hate crime protected categories, to keep them informed of progress and hear their views on any particular issues of interest.
"We must do all we can to protect victims of hate crime and we must also try to prevent these incidents happening in the first place. We now have a real opportunity to put effective and robust legislation in place. I am keen to hear from organisations and individuals on how we take these recommendations forward and would encourage as many people as possible to share their thoughts through this consultation."
Calling for input from the public on the Bill, Naomi Long said: "As Justice Minister, one of my key priorities has been to improve support and legislative protections for victims. When someone is targeted because of who they are, where they are from, or what they believe, it is simply unacceptable. More than that, it is wrong and it is criminal. Hate crime can take many forms and as a society we all need to play our part in helping to combat it.
"That is why I am proposing that a new Hate Crime Bill be introduced for Northern Ireland, building on recommendations from a comprehensive and wide-ranging independent review of hate crime legislation commissioned by the Department of Justice and carried out by Judge Desmond Marrinan."
The Public consultation will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one, which began today and runs for eight weeks, will publicly consult on a number of policy issues currently being developed for a forthcoming Hate Crime Bill, with plans for a second public consultation in the new mandate on the remaining issues.
The first phase will focus on the following areas:
• A new statutory aggravation model, which will allow the 'hate' factor of an offence to be recognised at the start of the investigation stage, through the prosecution process and on conviction;
• Sectarian Offending - definition of sectarianism and a proposed sectarian aggravator in the context of hate crime;
• Stirring Up Offences including the repeal of the dwelling defence and replacing it with a private conversations defence; and asking if the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should personally take decisions for stirring up hatred prosecutions;
• Special measures and protection from cross-examination for victims of hate crime; and
• A call for views, exploring Misogyny/Transmisogyny in Hate Crime Law.
The Justice Minister added: "My Department has already engaged in a series of targeted workshops with partners and presentations have also been provided to organisations as a pre-cursor to this public consultation, including those who represent victims of hate crime protected categories, to keep them informed of progress and hear their views on any particular issues of interest.
"We must do all we can to protect victims of hate crime and we must also try to prevent these incidents happening in the first place. We now have a real opportunity to put effective and robust legislation in place. I am keen to hear from organisations and individuals on how we take these recommendations forward and would encourage as many people as possible to share their thoughts through this consultation."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 October 2023
PSNI Hosts Hate Crime Awareness Event In Moira
The PSNI have partnered with Lisburn and Castlereagh Policing Community Safety Partnership for a public meeting on Hate Crime Awareness public meeting in Moira.
PSNI Hosts Hate Crime Awareness Event In Moira
The PSNI have partnered with Lisburn and Castlereagh Policing Community Safety Partnership for a public meeting on Hate Crime Awareness public meeting in Moira.
16 October 2023
New Campaign Launches To Highlight 'Devastating Impact' Of Hate Crimes
A new campaign has been launched a new campaign to highlight the devastating impact that hate crime has on victims and to encourage everyone to report hate crime when they see it.
New Campaign Launches To Highlight 'Devastating Impact' Of Hate Crimes
A new campaign has been launched a new campaign to highlight the devastating impact that hate crime has on victims and to encourage everyone to report hate crime when they see it.
28 February 2020
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
09 August 2024
Further Race-Related Hate Crime Takes Place In Belfast
Police dealt with a number of race-related hate crime, incidents and disorder last night (8 August) in south and east Belfast. In south Belfast, car was set on fire and a window of a house was broken into on Benburb Street. Windows of a house were also smashed in Kilburn Street.
Further Race-Related Hate Crime Takes Place In Belfast
Police dealt with a number of race-related hate crime, incidents and disorder last night (8 August) in south and east Belfast. In south Belfast, car was set on fire and a window of a house was broken into on Benburb Street. Windows of a house were also smashed in Kilburn Street.
10 October 2022
Campaign Announced To Highlight 'Extent And Impact' Of Hate Crimes
The PSNI has announced a week of action to "highlight the extent and impact" of hate crime across Northern Ireland and will be out engaging with local communities encouraging all to embrace diversity during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 8-15th October 2022.
Campaign Announced To Highlight 'Extent And Impact' Of Hate Crimes
The PSNI has announced a week of action to "highlight the extent and impact" of hate crime across Northern Ireland and will be out engaging with local communities encouraging all to embrace diversity during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 8-15th October 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
