Misogyny, misandry, ageism and a loathing of goths could be made illegal as a review into hate crime across the UK takes place, Sky News reported on October 16.
The Law Commission will look at whether offences motivated by the dislike, contempt or ingrained prejudice against women or men should be treated as a hate crime.
According to Sky, it will also consider if prejudice based on age or hatred of certain subcultures, including goths or punks, would be a hate crime.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Hate crime goes directly against the long-standing British values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect – and I am committed to stamping this sickening behaviour out.
“Our refreshed action plan sets out how we will tackle the root causes of prejudice and racism, support hate crime victims and ensure offenders face the full force of the law.”
Since the June 2016 Brexit vote and the Westminster terror attack last year there has been a spike in reports of hate offences.
In 2016/17 there were 80,393 hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales – an increase of 29% compared with 2015/16.
Hate crimes and incidents are defined as those perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic.
According to Sky, there are five strands currently monitored centrally: race or ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity.
Some police forces are already logging other types of hostility as hate crimes, including misogyny, ageism, or being part of an “alternative sub-culture”.
Download the app to your phone to stay up to date with all the latest developments with the reliable reporting of the Phileleftheros Media Group.
