Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on strengthening sentencing laws to tackle homophobia in football prompted by existing hate crime laws being complex and spread across different statutes.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on bringing forward legislative proposals to strengthen sentencing to tackle homophobia in football. All hate crimes, including those motivated by homophobia, are unacceptable but the courts already have powers to treat hostility based on sexual orientation as aggravating factors.
All hate crimes, including where motivated by homophobia, are unacceptable. The courts already have powers to treat hostility based on sexual orientation as a factor that aggravates the seriousness of an offence. However, hate crime laws in England and Wales are complex and spread across different statutes, hence the Government committed to carry out a comprehensive review of hate crime legislation which is currently under way.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on discussions with Cabinet colleagues or legislative proposals for sentencing enhancement.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Football (Offences) Act 1991 defines racialist abuse but not homophobic abuse, leading to unclear powers for match day stewards and officials in dealing with such incidents.
Grateful for the Minister's answer on the review being done by the Law Commission looking specifically at homophobic abuse in sports grounds. The Football (Offences) Act 1991 defines racialist abuse but not homophobic abuse, which causes confusion among match day stewards and officials regarding their powers.
Thanked the hon. Friend for his work on this issue which has been noted and appreciated. The Law Commission's review question 57 addresses precisely this issue, hoping it progresses. Homophobia still exists despite advancements in racism, although women's football shows better handling of homophobia.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on the unclear powers of match day stewards and officials or legislative actions to address them.
Under Review
Response accuracy