Menu
11/09/2024
Justice Minister Outlines New Hate Crime Legislation
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has outlined new hate crime legislation that she intends to bring forward by the end of the mandate.
The Alliance Party leader said that she was committed to delivering a "safer community for all" following a spate of recent racist attacks and incidents across NI.
Minister Long said: "There must be no place in our society for the hate, xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia that we have seen on the streets over recent weeks, nor should we tolerate homophobia, transphobia, ableism or anti-Semitism.
"As Justice Minister, I intend to bring forward new foundational hate crime legislative provisions and I am determined that these new provisions will be in place by the end of this mandate. This was a priority for me on returning to office in February but is particularly important considering what we have witnessed on our streets over recent months.
"I am proposing to bring forward the statutory aggravation offence model for hate crime in a forthcoming Sentencing Bill which is planned to be introduced next year. The model will become the core method of prosecuting hate crimes in Northern Ireland, allowing all existing criminal offences to be aggravated by hostility based on membership or perceived membership of a protected group.
"The new statutory aggravation model will provide the opportunity for the defendant to respond to the hate crime element in the legal proceedings; for enhanced sentences to be made available where the hate motivation is proven; and ensure the hate crime element of convictions is included on criminal records, assisting with rehabilitative work in order to reduce the risk of reoffending and further victimisation, by tackling the underlying attitudes.
"Enhanced protection for victims of hate crime remains a key priority of mine, therefore I am proposing for more specific support to victims and witnesses through provisions included in a Victims Bill. This will include provisions to allow automatic eligibility for consideration of special measures and protection from in-person cross-examination by the defendant in hate crime cases.
"Splitting the aggravated offence and victims' provisions across a Sentencing Bill and a Victims Bill and focusing the limited resources available to the Department on the delivery of these specific, and most impactful proposals represents the only realistic means of ensuring the progression of this legislation within this mandate and of expediting protection and support for victims.
"Due to a reduced mandate and limited resources, the Department is unable to accommodate the introduction of an expansive, stand-alone Hate Crime Bill, as proposed in Judge Marrinan's Review of Hate Crime Legislation. However, with respect to the remainder of Judge Marrinan's recommendations, it remains my intention to implement those in due course, subject to the usual approvals, and to continue the policy development work required to develop legislation for the next mandate.
"These legislative provisions provide a tangible way to deter offenders and strengthen sanctions for hate crime offences as well as supporting hate crime victims through the criminal justice process. Nevertheless, legislation alone will not stop manifestations of prejudice and hate in our society. It is clear that there needs to be a cross-departmental approach to addressing hate with an important emphasis on preventative actions, focused on societal attitudes, education and community cohesion."
The Alliance Party leader said that she was committed to delivering a "safer community for all" following a spate of recent racist attacks and incidents across NI.
Minister Long said: "There must be no place in our society for the hate, xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia that we have seen on the streets over recent weeks, nor should we tolerate homophobia, transphobia, ableism or anti-Semitism.
"As Justice Minister, I intend to bring forward new foundational hate crime legislative provisions and I am determined that these new provisions will be in place by the end of this mandate. This was a priority for me on returning to office in February but is particularly important considering what we have witnessed on our streets over recent months.
"I am proposing to bring forward the statutory aggravation offence model for hate crime in a forthcoming Sentencing Bill which is planned to be introduced next year. The model will become the core method of prosecuting hate crimes in Northern Ireland, allowing all existing criminal offences to be aggravated by hostility based on membership or perceived membership of a protected group.
"The new statutory aggravation model will provide the opportunity for the defendant to respond to the hate crime element in the legal proceedings; for enhanced sentences to be made available where the hate motivation is proven; and ensure the hate crime element of convictions is included on criminal records, assisting with rehabilitative work in order to reduce the risk of reoffending and further victimisation, by tackling the underlying attitudes.
"Splitting the aggravated offence and victims' provisions across a Sentencing Bill and a Victims Bill and focusing the limited resources available to the Department on the delivery of these specific, and most impactful proposals represents the only realistic means of ensuring the progression of this legislation within this mandate and of expediting protection and support for victims.
"Due to a reduced mandate and limited resources, the Department is unable to accommodate the introduction of an expansive, stand-alone Hate Crime Bill, as proposed in Judge Marrinan's Review of Hate Crime Legislation. However, with respect to the remainder of Judge Marrinan's recommendations, it remains my intention to implement those in due course, subject to the usual approvals, and to continue the policy development work required to develop legislation for the next mandate.
"These legislative provisions provide a tangible way to deter offenders and strengthen sanctions for hate crime offences as well as supporting hate crime victims through the criminal justice process. Nevertheless, legislation alone will not stop manifestations of prejudice and hate in our society. It is clear that there needs to be a cross-departmental approach to addressing hate with an important emphasis on preventative actions, focused on societal attitudes, education and community cohesion."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
13 February 2020
Online Hate Crime To Be Debated At City Hall
Leading professionals are to address the issue of online hate crime at a conference at Belfast City Hall this month. Representatives from the PSNI and the Belfast Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) will engage in an interactive question and answering session at the No Place for Hate conference.
Online Hate Crime To Be Debated At City Hall
Leading professionals are to address the issue of online hate crime at a conference at Belfast City Hall this month. Representatives from the PSNI and the Belfast Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) will engage in an interactive question and answering session at the No Place for Hate conference.
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.
