Insulting poor people could be a hate crime

ALEX WALKER

liffe, has argued that those living on the street need to be better protected against verbal attacks as well as physical violence.

She 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 said the intention was to safeguard those living on the streets from harm.

She said: “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.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We look forward to considering his recommendations, which are expected in early 2018.”