Hate crime crackdown
Proposed legal reforms in Victoria on hatred or prejudice-motivated crime could see a crackdown on violent attacks against GLBT people, Indian students and other minority groups.
Under plans slated by Attorney-General Rob Hulls for next year, courts would have to take into account hatred for or a prejudice against a particular group of people as a factor in sentencing.
Tougher sentences would apply to crimes deemed to be based on victims’ sexual orientation, race, religion or gender.
Anti-Violence Project spokesman Greg Adkins said the proposed changes were crucial and urged the GLBT community to stand united with the Indian community in decrying violence against minority groups.
The GLBT community stands united with other communities experiencing hatred or prejudice-motivated crime in welcoming Rob Hulls’ proposed changes. The AVP has indicated to the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria and other peak multicultural bodies that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them calling for all violence to be reported.
