Insulting the poor could be a hate crime

People on the street need to be better protected, believes organisation

Insulting the poor could become a specific hate crime under Scots law as part of a legislation overhaul.

Lord Bracadale, one of Scotland’s most senior judges is in the process of reviewing hate crime legislation to the law more fit for the modern world.

Currently, such legislation covers race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity.

Amnesty International Scotland has urged Lord Bracadale to “consolidate hate crime legislation to ensure consistency, clarity and equal protection.”

They have asked the Scottish Government to consider including ageism, sexism and economic status in Lord Bracadale’s review.

Amnesty International’s programme director for Scotland, Naomi McAuliffe, has argued that those living on the street need to be better protected against verbal attacks as well as physical violence.

McAuliffe said: “There have been reports from charities about violence and abuse that those who are living on the streets face on a regular basis.

“We are really keen for that to be addressed.”

Mrs McAuliffe didn’t rule out extending the classism clause to cover wealthy people but she said the intention was to safeguard those living on the streets from harm.

She said: “We haven’t come across data on it applying to people on a higher economic status.

“If the evidence was out there then it should be addressed.

“However, we have seen the data from homeless charities and it most certainly does apply at the other end of the spectrum.

“We are calling for an extension to cover gender, age and socio-economic status. We want there to be a consolidation and clarity around hate crime legislation in Scotland.

“At the moment there are gaps and inconsistencies. It means the public don’t really know what hate crime is and what they should be reporting.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Lord Bracadale is conducting an independent review of hate crime legislation, which will consider the wide range of legislation that has an impact on tackling hate crime.

“As part of his remit Lord Bracadale will consider if new categories of hate crime for characteristics not currently legislated for, such as age and gender, need to be created.”

We are calling foran extension to cover gender, age and socioeconomic status. We want there to be a consolidation and clarity around hate crime legislation in Scotland. NAOMI MCAULIFFE