← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Hate Crime Against the LGBT+ Community
18 October 2023
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Cardiff South and Penarth
Lab Co-op
Responding Minister
Sarah Dines
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyScience & TechnologyWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 10514
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about hate crime against the lgbt+ community in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to end what the Law Commission calls a 'hierarchy of protection' and bring about real parity between groups of all protected characteristics. I urge them to introduce an inclusive ban on conversion therapy and to provide specific support for the trans and non-binary community, while stamping out divisive rhetoric.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the rise in hate crime against the LGBT+ community, particularly the increase from 28,834 recorded incidents this year to a net increase of 217% since 2017-18. Only around 10% of LGBT people felt comfortable reporting hate crimes to the police, indicating significant under-reporting. There are also concerns about intersectionality, with victims experiencing loss of confidence, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety following hate crimes.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Nottingham North and Kimberley's MP highlighted the significant rise in hate crimes targeting LGBT+ individuals over the past decade, noting that incidents based on sexual orientation have increased by nearly 500%, while those based on transgender identity have surged by 1,000%. He emphasized the importance of leaders setting a tone to drive up reporting and build confidence among victims.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Alex Sobel echoed the concerns about rising hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals, noting that for trans people, hate crime reports had risen by 186% compared to five years ago. He referenced a case in West Yorkshire where incidents of transphobic violence increased by 39.9%. Sobel criticized the government's stance on LGBT rights both domestically and internationally.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
She highlighted a significant rise in hate crime against the LGBT+ community, noting that hate crimes based on sexual orientation increased by 112% and those targeting trans people rose by 186%. She expressed concern about politicians who promote divisive rhetoric and their impact on increasing hate crimes.
Mr Loder shared his experience of being physically assaulted because of his sexuality and emphasised the importance of holding the LGBT community accountable for hate crime. He condemned actions that provoke homophobic hate within the community and praised Dorset police's prompt response to an aggressive situation he faced recently.
Elliot Colburn
Lab
Barnet and Camden
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about the significant increase in hate crimes against LGBT+ individuals in London, noting a 65% rise for those identifying as gay, lesbian or bisexual over five years. He mentioned under-reporting issues and lack of trust in the police as outlined by the Casey report on the Metropolitan Police. Colburn also highlighted the need to address the toxic debate around trans rights and called for political parties to stand against anti-LGBT+ rhetoric.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate, highlighting that LGBTQ+ black and minority ethnic people face additional challenges in reporting hate crimes. Ms Eshalomi intervened to discuss a horrific attack in her constituency, commending the organisation for their collaboration with the police that led to the apprehension of the perpetrator. She emphasised the need for more police officers across communities to ensure justice is served.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
I support my hon. Friend's call to address the significant rise in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, noting that comments from government officials exacerbate the issue.
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman for sharing his personal experience and raise concerns about the impact of unchecked hate speech from those at the top of government.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I commend the hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter forward and express my condemnation of hate crimes against anybody.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
I agreed with my hon. Friend about the shocking record of hate crime increases, highlighting that the UK has dropped from being rated as the best place in Europe for LGBT+ equality to 14th place.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
West Tyrone
Ms Oswald highlighted the rise in hate crimes against the LGBT+ community, noting that it is under-reported and on the increase globally. She called for social media companies to take responsibility for addressing hateful commentary online. Ms Oswald also expressed concern over the Conservative Party's rhetoric during their conference and the Government's failure to address these issues effectively.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
The number of hate crimes based on transgender identity in North Wales has surged by 771%, indicating a significant problem that needs addressing.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Mr Pollard discussed his personal experience of being attacked because of his sexuality, highlighting the rise in LGBT hate crime by 186% over five years according to Stonewall. He criticised senior government figures for making divisive comments about the LGBT community and asked if the Minister had heard of the CAT strategy focusing on climate, asylum seekers, and trans people. Plymouth Sutton and Devonport's MP intervened, asking the Minister if they would give way for further questions on hate crimes against LGBT+ individuals.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate and ask about the steps to be taken to ensure government officials stop making things worse with their comments.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Olivia Blake highlighted the rising trend of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. She mentioned that in 2021, 375 transgender people lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence globally and cited a 65% increase in LGBT victims seeking support from Galop.
He welcomed the debate, noting that despite progress in LGBT rights, there is no room for complacency given recent statistics. He called for an inclusive ban on conversion therapy and urged the Minister to take action to address rising hate crimes against LGBT individuals.
Salford
She supported her colleague's speech, emphasizing that only one in 10 LGBTQ+ people report hate crimes. She highlighted the impact of government statements on young trans people and their mental health, urging the Minister to take positive action.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
I express worry about the focus on hate crime discussions not coming from the perspective of those affected by such violence, highlighting the unique position of LGBTQ+ women.
Vicky Ford
Con
Chelmsford
I endorsed my hon. Friend's concerns about intersectionality, noting that violence against LGBT people often intersects with other forms of discrimination and can lead to a 'double or triple whammy' for victims.
Government Response
Sarah Dines
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Cummins. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) for securing this debate. The Government are clear that there is no place for hate in our society; it does not reflect modern Britain. We have one of the world's most comprehensive and robust legislative frameworks for hate crime, including a review by the Law Commission which we accepted one recommendation from and will respond to others shortly. Online offending can be whipped up intemperately online, but technology companies will have legal duties of care under the Online Safety Bill to prevent, identify, and remove illegal content quickly. We continue to fund True Vision for online hate crime reporting and the national online hate crime hub to support police forces in investigating these offences. The Government are committed to banning conversion practices and we feel strongly about this issue but cannot give a timeframe yet. Transgender identity hate crimes have risen by 11% from 4,262 to 4,732, which is concerning, but the independent assessor notes that more people may be coming forward due to greater awareness rather than political discussions alone.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.