 Act became law in April 2021 and, despite the legislation receiving royal assent, it has not come into force as Police Scotland had said it would require time for 'training, guidance and communications planning'. It is due to){kind=link}
Police Scotland is preparing to establish a dedicated hate crime unit before controversial new laws come into force early next year.
The unit will investigate cases where individuals violate legislation designed to extend protections for vulnerable groups under a new offence of “stirring up hatred”.
Under the new laws, offences are considered “aggravated” – which could influence sentencing – if they involve prejudice on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or variations in sex characteristics.
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act became law in April 2021 and, despite the legislation receiving royal assent, it has not come into force as Police Scotland had said it would require time for “training, guidance and communications planning”. It is due to
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