DISABILITY HATE CRIME

 

The Government have announced in the Queen’s Speech that they will introduce tougher hate crime legislation (Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill) which will make inciting hatred against a person because of his / her sexual orientation and religious belief by amending the Public Order Act 1986.   Maria Egale, the Minister for Justice said the Government would consider including inciting hatred to disabled people and transsexuals if there is evidence to support this need.    

 

It is estimated that up to 50% of disabled people have been a victim of crime.   And it can be as high as 66% and 75% for   Disabled people with learning difficulties and mental health conditions.  Too often disabled people feel they are targeted because of their impairment and health condition and their disability status.  It was not until 2003 with the amendment to the Public Order Act 1986 that disability hate crime was recognised as a criminal offence.  This is whereby if a crime was aggravated by hatred towards a person because of his / her disabled person’s status then the courts can increase the severity of sentence handed to the criminal. 

 

UKDPC are pressing the Government to make it unlawful to incite hatred against disabled people as there is no need for an actual crime to take place. We want to make it very clear that inciting hatred against disabled people should be seen just as oppressive and socially unacceptable as inciting hatred against homosexuals and people from the Black and Ethnic Minorities and ‘faith’ Communities.  

 

 

UKDPC’s “Inciting Hatred against Disabled Peoples” Briefing to Maria Egale (Minister for Justice) and Anne McGuire (Minister for Disabled People)  Hate Crime 2008 Briefing

UKDPC are joining a coalition of interested organisations who are going to raise the profile of disability hate crime amongst disabled people and those involved in the Criminal Justice System.

 

 Contact Anne Novis for further information at 01332-295-551 or send an email to UKDPC.