Schools plan to tackle hate crime in Scotland

October 12, 2004 in Community Care

A new report on hate crime in Scotland calls for a citizenship
programme in schools aimed at tackling prejudice at a young
age.

The report of an independent Working Group on Hate Crime
recommends that the Scottish Executive should consider introducing
specific legislation for hate crime, which is defined as a “crime
motivated by malice or ill will towards a social group”.

Legislation already exists for racist and religious-hatred
crimes, but this report considers crimes against people who are
gay, trans-gender or have a disability.

“We believe that it is important to tackle prejudice at an
early age before it becomes too entrenched,” says the
report.

The report notes with concern that research for the Capability
Scotland/Disability Rights Commission found that some people with
disabilities suffered name-calling or harassment by young
people.

Press release at:
http://www.childpolicy.org.uk/news/index.cfm?ccs=88&cs=12466