House of Lords backs amendment to classify anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime as aggravated offence
Legislation that would bring anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime in line with offences motivated by race or religion has moved a step closer after the House of Lords approved a key amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill.
The amendment, championed by LGBTQ+ rights organisation Stonewall and supported by cross‑party parliamentarians, would ensure that crimes motivated by hostility towards a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are treated as aggravated offences - a designation that carries tougher sentencing powers and provides victims with stronger legal protections. Currently, only hate crimes based on race and religion are automatically classified in this way, creating what campaigners have long described as a “hierarchy of hate.”
Stonewall said the change represents a “major step” toward parity in how the law treats hate‑motivated offences. Chief executive Simon Blake praised the move, arguing that it sends a clear message that LGBTQ+ people “deserve equal access to justice” and should no longer face weaker protections compared with other groups. He added that the charity has campaigned for years to secure equal recognition for anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime and will continue working with parliamentarians to see the amendment through its final legislative stages.
The reform reflects longstanding efforts in both Houses of Parliament. Labour MP Rachel Taylor previously attempted to secure similar changes in the Commons and has consistently highlighted the need to equalise the law, noting that hate crime legislation currently offers stronger safeguards only in cases involving race or religion. She has argued that all forms of hostility‑motivated crime should carry the same seriousness in the eyes of the courts.
If the amendment completes its passage through Parliament, judges would be empowered to impose higher maximum sentences for anti‑LGBTQ+ offences, while victims would be granted longer windows to seek justice. Advocates say the strengthened framework is crucial at a time when many LGBTQ+ people report rising levels of hostility and uncertainty about their safety.
The proposal will now continue through the remaining stages of the legislative process. If adopted, it would mark the first time that anti‑LGBTQ+ and anti‑disability hate crimes are formally placed on the same footing as those targeting race and religion, closing a long‑criticised gap in the UK’s hate crime laws.
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