UK Government Set to Make Anti-LGBTQ+ and disability Hate Crime an Aggravated Offence

A proposed new law is set to make hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexuality, gender identity, or disability aggravated offences, marking a significant step forward for equality in England and Wales.

An amendment to the Crimes and Policing Bill will ensure that crimes motivated by these characteristics carry higher penalties, bringing them in line with existing laws regarding race and religion. Currently, hostility based on LGBT status or disability can only lead to a sentencing "uplift" on broader charges. The new amendment will establish these as defined charges in their own right, with higher maximum sentences.

LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop has hailed the move as a "landmark moment." Jasmine O'Connor, Galop’s co-chief executive, noted the importance of the timing: "At a time when our services are seeing consistent rises in LGBT+ hate crime victims seeking support, this long-overdue change sends a clear message that anti-LGBT+ hate crime is as deserving of justice as crimes motivated by religious or racial hate."

The amendment was originally championed by Labour MP Rachel Taylor, who highlighted that over 30,000 hate crimes linked to sexual orientation, trans identity, or disability were recorded between March 2024 and 2025.

Stonewall, which has long campaigned for this parity in the law, welcomed the government's commitment. "We welcome that the government is delivering on a manifesto commitment for LGBTQ+ people at a time when many in the community are feeling increasingly under threat," said Chief Executive Simon Blake.

The bill is currently progressing through the House of Lords.