RISING cases of hate crime offences in Barnsley - which resulted in a local leader spearheading a campaign for tougher sentences to be brought in - will be dealt with more robustly after MPs voted in favour of a law change.
Hate crimes committed against disabled and LGBT+ people will be treated as an ‘aggravated offence’, following the backing of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Marie Tidball, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, co-sponsored the amendment, supporting MP Rachel Taylor who proposed it.
The new law will make serious crimes motivated by prejudice against anyone because of their disability, sexual orientation or gender identity aggravated offences - placing them on an equal footing to hate crimes which are motivated by race or religion.
This means that police forces will be able to properly identify hate crimes motivated by disability, homophobia, transphobia and misogyny.
Perpetrators of these crimes will face the higher maximum penalties they deserve and victims will have more time to access justice.
Following the vote by MPs, Marie and Rachel hosted an event in Parliament to celebrate the landmark moment, bringing together disability, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights charities and organisations.
Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP, made a speech at the event, marking the government’s commitment to drawing a line in the sand against hate.
Marie, who was born with a congenital disability which affects all four limbs and has foreshortened arms and legs, with one digit on each hand, said: “I was so proud to work with other MPs and the government to strengthen hate crime law and demonstrate that the perpetrators of this vile abuse should have nowhere to hide.
“Hate is dividing our society, hate crime is still happening and it is having a devastating impact.
“But disabled people don’t divide our society, we enrich it.
“Before I was elected, I researched the experiences of disabled people in the criminal justice system for 14 years - I know the enormous impact that strengthening this law will have in ensuring victims of hate crime access the justice they have been denied up to this point.
“Even more crucially, this amendment will be pivotal in creating a society where we are all disabled people are treated with dignity and respect.”
New figures from the Home Office show South Yorkshire Police recorded 4,206 hate crimes in the year to March - up seven per cent from 3,945 the previous year.
Rachel added: “It’s shocking that thousands of hate crimes have been committed against people because of their sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.
“Victims deserve to have these crimes treated every bit as seriously in law as hate crimes based on race and religion.
“I am absolutely delighted that the government have listened to me, for the support of Marie, and the cross-party MPs who supported this vital change in the law, and that MPs voted for that change to become law.”
