News Articles
10th October 2008
Gay hate crimes treble across Scotland
(Source: DailyRecord.co.uk)
HATE crimes against gays have more than trebled across Scotland, a Daily Record investigation
has revealed.
Our probe showed a horrifying rise in reports of violent attacks, abuse and vandalism against
people targeted just because of their sexuality.
It also uncovered shocking differences in the way such crimes are recorded - with one force
admitting they do not hold information on homophobic crime.
The picture of rocketing hate crime is in stark contrast to claims that Scotland is becoming more
cosmopolitan and diverse.
In Strathclyde, reported incidents of homophobic crime have soared from just 50 cases three
years ago to 216 this year.
In Lothian and Borders, crimes against people because of their sexual orientation - including
assault and vandalism - jumped by more than 60 per cent, from 45 in 2005 to 76 this year.
Crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people rose in Central Scotland
from just five three years ago to 16 this year.
In Grampian, there were 14 homophobic crimes in 2005 but this soared to 53 in 2007-8.
Tayside Police said that they did not hold relevant information on hate crime as the force do
not record the sexuality or transgender status of victims of crime.
Jason - not his real name - stays in Glasgow and said that he has suffered abuse and been
spat at because of his sexual orientation.
He said: "We may be in the 21st century but being gay still makes you a target in some places.
"I am not surprised that hate crime has been rising. It is just the tip of the iceberg though
because I know lots of people won't even bother going to the police.
"Things are changing and I suppose in some places things have become more tolerant.
Generally speaking, though, there is a still a lot of ignorance and prejudice out there.
"I have been spat on and seen people attacked because of their sexuality and subjected to
abuse. It would take a fairly brave person to walk in any main street in a Scottish city holding
their partner's hand - especially on a Saturday night."
A leading gay rights organisation said the figures were "horrific" and demanded more must be
done to stamp out hate crime.
Calum Irving, director of Stonewall Scotland, said: "The number of attacks is horrific. There is
no place for hate crime in a modern Scotland.
"That's why we're fighting for legislation to make sure courts take hate crime seriously. There is
still a massive problem of under-reporting "Police forces need to take it seriously, record these
crimes properly and make it clear to the LGBT community that they can trust the police and that
hate crime will not be tolerated."
Morag Alexander, Scotland commissioner with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
"These appalling figures only serve to reinforce the need for the legislation being put forward in
the Scottish parliament.
"This will give judges the powers to take into account homophobic or prejudiced motivations when
passing sentence, making sure the punishment fits the crime.
"This isn't about being politically correct.
"It is about ensuring we send a very clear message to Scotland this type of behaviour will not be
tolerated."
Chief Supt Gillian Wood of Lothian and Borders Police, said her force had launched a remote
reporting facility for the LGBT community, which had resulted in more victims coming forward to
report crimes.
A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "Whilst some gay and lesbian people may feel unable to
make direct contact with the police for a number of reasons, we would assure them that any
information they provide will be treated seriously and investigated fully, in a professional manner."
