Hate crime legislation independent review: consultation (easy-read)

Hate crime law in Scotland at the moment

If a person has committed an offence (such as assault or breach of the peace), but has done it in a way which shows hate or prejudice towards a person or groups then the courts can give tougher punishments.

This might be a longer sentence or higher fine.

At the moment these " statutory aggravations" cover prejudice because of a person's

1. Race

2. Religion

3. Disability

4. Sexual orientation

5. Transgender identity

The offender's criminal record will show that they have been convicted of a hate crime.

The conviction is included in hate crime statistics, so that that we can see how many hate crimes have been committed against which group.

For a statutory aggravation to apply, one of two tests must happen.

The first test is if the offender shows hate or prejudice towards a victim because of the group the victim is a member of.

For example, the offender might use bad language about the group.

The second test is to find out if the crime was committed because of hate targeted at the person's protected group.

1. Race

2. Religion

3. Disability

4. Sexual orientation

5. Transgender identity

Question 3

Are you clear about what the test of a hate crime is?

Yes / No

How can this be improved?