Dan Leveille

equalitopia:

Law against homophobic hatred comes into effect in UK

A new law criminalising stirring up homophobic hatred comes into effect today. The law, which covers England and Wales, will punish offenders with up to seven years in jail or a fine.

Aggravation By Prejudice, which places homophobic attacks on the same footing as racist crime, takes effect today, after being lobbied for by Stonewall. It outlaws incitement of hate - in any form - based on a person’s gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said:  

“The newly-extended criminal offence of incitement to hatred will go some way towards addressing the hatred and violence directed towards lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in Britain at a time when homophobic attacks are on the increase.

It sends a strong signal that such behaviour is unacceptable in a civilised society. Just like race, a person’s sexual orientation is an intrinsic characteristic for which no citizen should ever feel under threat of verbal or physical violence.”