Intolerance in the spotlight, say Police
Tuesday, 2nd February 2010
Police will not tolerate any incidence of hate-crime which targets an individual because of their sexual orientation - that's the message from Central Scotland Police ahead of new legislation expected to come into effect this year.
Following the publication of the Force's single equality scheme, Central Scotland Police would urge anyone who has been the victim of a crime as a result of their sexuality to have the confidence to report the matter to the police. This will allow offenders to be brought to justice and appropriate support to be identified for victims.
The Offences (Aggravated by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act comes into force in spring 2010.
Chief Superintendent Gordon Samson, who has responsibility for Communities Policing, speaking at the start of national LGBT History Month, said: "The recorded figures show a small number of people who were victimised because of their sexuality over the past year however, we suspect the issue is under-reported.
"Under-reporting can occur for a variety of reasons, but I would urge anyone who has concerns or who have been a victim, to contact the police.
"We have seen a number of advances in the recent past in terms of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community members in society, we know that intolerance still exists and that can evidence itself through a range of offending, including verbal abuse.
"Central Scotland Police, as part of the wider Scottish police service, welcomes the introduction of new legislation this year which will allow the courts to take into account when a crime has been motivated by homophobia or transphobia.
"We already have systems in place to record these motivations but to allow us to accurately gauge the true size of the issue would again encourage anyone who has been a victim of such an offence to contact the police.
"We are committed as an organisation, through working in partnership with a range of partners, to targeting offenders who target individuals because of race, religion, age, disability or sexuality."
