It was announced at the end of last month (June) that the Law Commission are consulting on extending the law relating to hate crimes, to cover sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity.
Currently the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 allows for aggravated offences, such as assault and criminal damage, if race or religion have either motivated or formed part of the offence; whilst the Public Order Act covers those who publish material which is extended to stir up hatred against people on the grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation.
However, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 does not make similar provisions for disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity; whilst the Public Order Act does not make similar provisions for disability or transgender identity.
Under the consultation, the Law Commission – the body who recommend law reforms, are looking at whether there is currently a case to reform the law.
The consultation aims to look at whether any new offences would already be covered by existing criminal offences, and whether existing power of courts to enhance sentences in such cases already provides sufficient remedy.