http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64/bodyPublic Order Act 1986An Act to abolish the common law offences of riot, rout, unlawful assembly and affray and certain statutory offences relating to public order; to create new offences relating to public order; to control public processions and assemblies; to control the stirring up of racial hatred; to provide for the exclusion of certain offenders from sporting events; to create a new offence relating to the contamination of or interference with goods; to confer power to direct certain trespassers to leave land; to amend section 7 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875, section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Part V of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985; to repeal certain obsolete or unnecessary enactments; and for connected purposes.1986-11-07texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-04-02Expert Participation2026-04-01 Public Order Act 1986s. 12(2A)The Public Order Act 1986 (Serious Disruption to the Life of the Community) Regulations 2023reg. 2(2)reg. 1(2)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(2B)The Public Order Act 1986 (Serious Disruption to the Life of the Community) Regulations 2023reg. 2(3)reg. 1(2)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2A)The Public Order Act 1986 (Serious Disruption to the Life of the Community) Regulations 2023reg. 3(2)reg. 1(2)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2B)The Public Order Act 1986 (Serious Disruption to the Life of the Community) Regulations 2023reg. 3(3)reg. 1(2)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(1)(ab)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(2)(a)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(1)(c) and wordCrime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(2)(b)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(1)(ab)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(3)(a)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(1)(c) and wordCrime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(3)(b)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 14ZA(1)(a)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(4)(a)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 14ZA(1)(c) and wordCrime and Policing Act 2026s. 164(4)(b)s. 255(3)(d)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(2BA)-(2BC)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 165(2)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2BA)-(2BC)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 165(3)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(1)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(2)(a)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(2)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(2)(b)(i)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(2)(a)(i)(ii)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(2)(b)(ii)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(1)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(3)(a)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(3)(b)(i)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2)(a)(i)(ii)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(3)(b)(ii)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(2ZB)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 166(3)(c)s. 255(1)Public Order Act 1986s. 14A(9)Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 167(2)s. 255(3)(e)Public Order Act 1986s. 16Crime and Policing Act 2026s. 167(3)s. 255(3)(e)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(8)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(2)(a)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 12(10)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(2)(b)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 13(11)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(3)(a)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 13(13)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(3)(b)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(8)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(4)(a)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 14(10)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(4)(b)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 14B(5)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(5)(a)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4)Public Order Act 1986s. 14B(7)Criminal Justice Act 2003Sch. 26 para. 37(5)(b)s. 280(3)s. 336(3) (4) Part I11Where 12 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety, each of the persons using unlawful violence for the common purpose is guilty of riot.2It is immaterial whether or not the 12 or more use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously.3The common purpose may be inferred from conduct.4No person of reasonable firmness need actually be, or be likely to be, present at the scene.5Riot may be committed in private as well as in public places.6A person guilty of riot is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or a fine or both.21Where 3 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening unlawful violence is guilty of violent disorder.2It is immaterial whether or not the 3 or more use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously.3No person of reasonable firmness need actually be, or be likely to be, present at the scene.4Violent disorder may be committed in private as well as in public places.5A person guilty of violent disorder is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or a fine or both, or on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.31A person is guilty of affray if he uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another and his conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety.2Where 2 or more persons use or threaten the unlawful violence, it is the conduct of them taken together that must be considered for the purposes of subsection (1).3For the purposes of this section a threat cannot be made by the use of words alone.4No person of reasonable firmness need actually be, or be likely to be, present at the scene.5Affray may be committed in private as well as in public places.6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7A person guilty of affray is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or a fine or both, or on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.41A person is guilty of an offence if he—auses towards another person threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, orbdistributes or displays to another person any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,with intent to cause that person to believe that immediate unlawful violence will be used against him or another by any person, or to provoke the immediate use of unlawful violence by that person or another, or whereby that person is likely to believe that such violence will be used or it is likely that such violence will be provoked.2An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is distributed or displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the other person is also inside that or another dwelling.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.4A1A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress, he—auses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, orbdisplays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress.2An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the person who is harassed, alarmed or distressed is also inside that or another dwelling.3It is a defence for the accused to prove—athat he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, orbthat his conduct was reasonable.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.4B1A person (A) is guilty of an offence under this section if—aA commits an offence under section 4A (intentional harassment, alarm or distress), andbA carried out the conduct referred to in section 4A(1) because of the relevant person’s sex (or presumed sex).2In subsection (1)—“presumed” means presumed by A;“the relevant person” means the person to whom A intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress.3For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) it does not matter whether or not—aA also carried out the conduct referred to in section 4A(1) because of any other factor not mentioned in subsection (1)(b), orbA carried out the conduct referred to in section 4A(1) for the purposes of sexual gratification.4A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—aon summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine or both;bon conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.5If, on the trial on indictment of a person charged with an offence under this section, the jury find the person not guilty of the offence charged, they may find the person guilty of the offence in section 4A.51A person is guilty of an offence if he—auses threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, orbdisplays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening or abusive,within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.2An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the other person is also inside that or another dwelling.3It is a defence for the accused to prove—athat he had no reason to believe that there was any person within hearing or sight who was likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, orbthat he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, orcthat his conduct was reasonable.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.61A person is guilty of riot only if he intends to use violence or is aware that his conduct may be violent.2A person is guilty of violent disorder or affray only if he intends to use or threaten violence or is aware that his conduct may be violent or threaten violence.3A person is guilty of an offence under section 4 only if he intends his words or behaviour, or the writing, sign or other visible representation, to be threatening, abusive or insulting, or is aware that it may be threatening, abusive or insulting.4A person is guilty of an offence under section 5 only if he intends his words or behaviour, or the writing, sign or other visible representation, to be threatening or abusive, or is aware that it may be threatening or abusive or (as the case may be) he intends his behaviour to be or is aware that it may be disorderly.5For the purposes of this section a person whose awareness is impaired by intoxication shall be taken to be aware of that of which he would be aware if not intoxicated, unless he shows either that his intoxication was not self-induced or that it was caused solely by the taking or administration of a substance in the course of medical treatment.6In subsection (5) “intoxication” means any intoxication, whether caused by drink, drugs or other means, or by a combination of means.7Subsections (1) and (2) do not affect the determination for the purposes of riot or violent disorder of the number of persons who use or threaten violence.71No prosecution for an offence of riot or incitement to riot may be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.2For the purposes of the rules against charging more than one offence in the same count or information, each of sections 1 to 5 creates one offence.3If on the trial on indictment of a person charged with violent disorder or affray the jury find him not guilty of the offence charged, they may (without prejudice to section 6(3) of the Criminal Law Act 1967) find him guilty of an offence under section 4.4The Crown Court has the same powers and duties in relation to a person who is by virtue of subsection (3) convicted before it of an offence under section 4 as a magistrates’ court would have on convicting him of the offence.8In this Part—“dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person’s home or as other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;“violence” means any violent conduct, so that—except in the context of affray, it includes violent conduct towards property as well as violent conduct towards persons, andit is not restricted to conduct causing or intended to cause injury or damage but includes any other violent conduct (for example, throwing at or towards a person a missile of a kind capable of causing injury which does not hit or falls short).91The common law offences of riot, rout, unlawful assembly and affray are abolished.2The offences under the following enactments are abolished—asection 1 of the Tumultuous Petitioning Act 1661 (presentation of petition to monarch or Parliament accompanied by excessive number of persons),bsection 1 of the Shipping Offences Act 1793 (interference with operation of vessel by persons riotously assembled),csection 23 of the Seditious Meetings Act 1817 (prohibition of certain meetings within one mile of Westminster Hall when Parliament sitting), anddsection 5 of the Public Order Act 1936 (conduct conducive to breach of the peace).101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2In Schedule 1 to the Marine Insurance Act 1906 (form and rules for the construction of certain insurance policies) “rioters” in rule 8 and “riot” in rule 10 shall, in the application of the rules to any policy taking effect on or after the coming into force of this section, be construed in accordance with section 1 above unless a different intention appears.3“Riot” and cognate expressions in any enactment in force before the coming into force of this section (other than the enactments mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) above) shall be construed in accordance with section 1 above if they would have been construed in accordance with the common law offence of riot apart from this Part.4Subject to subsections (1) to (3) above and unless a different intention appears, nothing in this Part affects the meaning of “riot” or any cognate expression in any enactment in force, or other instrument taking effect, before the coming into force of this section.Part II111Written notice shall be given in accordance with this section of any proposal to hold a public procession intended—ato demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person or body of persons,bto publicise a cause or campaign, orcto mark or commemorate an event,unless it is not reasonably practicable to give any advance notice of the procession.2Subsection (1) does not apply where the procession is one commonly or customarily held in the police area (or areas) in which it is proposed to be held or is a funeral procession organised by a funeral director acting in the normal course of his business.3The notice must specify the date when it is intended to hold the procession, the time when it is intended to start it, its proposed route, and the name and address of the person (or of one of the persons) proposing to organise it.4Notice must be delivered to a police station—ain the police area in which it is proposed the procession will start, orbwhere it is proposed the procession will start in Scotland and cross into England, in the first police area in England on the proposed route.5If delivered not less than 6 clear days before the date when the procession is intended to be held, the notice may be delivered by post by the recorded delivery service; but section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (under which a document sent by post is deemed to have been served when posted and to have been delivered in the ordinary course of post) does not apply.6If not delivered in accordance with subsection (5), the notice must be delivered by hand not less than 6 clear days before the date when the procession is intended to be held or, if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon as delivery is reasonably practicable.7Where a public procession is held, each of the persons organising it is guilty of an offence if—athe requirements of this section as to notice have not been satisfied, orbthe date when it is held, the time when it starts, or its route, differs from the date, time or route specified in the notice.8It is a defence for the accused to prove that he did not know of, and neither suspected nor had reason to suspect, the failure to satisfy the requirements or (as the case may be) the difference of date, time or route.9To the extent that an alleged offence turns on a difference of date, time or route, it is a defence for the accused to prove that the difference arose from circumstances beyond his control or from something done with the agreement of a police officer or by his direction.10A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.121If the senior police officer, having regard to the time or place at which and the circumstances in which any public procession is being held or is intended to be held and to its route or proposed route, reasonably believes that—ait may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community, aain the case of a procession in England and Wales, the noise generated by persons taking part in the procession may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the procession,abin the case of a procession in England and Wales—ithe noise generated by persons taking part in the procession may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the procession, andiithat impact may be significant, orbthe purpose of the persons organising it is the intimidation of others with a view to compelling them not to do an act they have a right to do, or to do an act they have a right not to do,he may give directions imposing on the persons organising or taking part in the procession such conditions as appear to him necessary to prevent such disorder, damage, disruption , impact or intimidation, including conditions as to the route of the procession or prohibiting it from entering any public place specified in the directions.2In subsection (1) “the senior police officer” means—ain relation to a procession being held, or to a procession intended to be held in a case where persons are assembling with a view to taking part in it, the most senior in rank of the police officers present at the scene, andbin relation to a procession intended to be held in a case where paragraph (a) does not apply, the chief officer of police.2AFor the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the cases in which a public procession in England and Wales may result in serious disruption to the life of the community include, in particular, where—ait may result in a significant delay to the delivery of a time-sensitive product to consumers of that product, orbit may result in a prolonged disruption of access to any essential goods or any essential service, including, in particular, access to—ithe supply of money, food, water, energy or fuel,iia system of communication,iiia place of worship,iva transport facility,van educational institution, orvia service relating to health.2BIn subsection (2A)(a) “time-sensitive product” means a product whose value or use to its consumers may be significantly reduced by a delay in the supply of the product to them.2CFor the purposes of subsection (1)(aa), the cases in which the noise generated by persons taking part in a public procession may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the procession include, in particular, where it may result in persons connected with the organisation not being reasonably able, for a prolonged period of time, to carry on in that vicinity the activities or any one of them.2DFor the purposes of subsection (1)(ab)(i), the noise generated by persons taking part in a public procession may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the procession if—ait may result in the intimidation or harassment of persons of reasonable firmness with the characteristics of persons likely to be in the vicinity, orbit may cause such persons to suffer alarm or distress.2EIn considering for the purposes of subsection (1)(ab)(ii) whether the noise generated by persons taking part in a public procession may have a significant impact on persons in the vicinity of the procession, the senior police officer must have regard to—athe likely number of persons of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (2D) who may experience an impact of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection,bthe likely duration of that impact on such persons, andcthe likely intensity of that impact on such persons.3A direction given by a chief officer of police by virtue of subsection (2)(b) shall be given in writing.4 Subject to subsection (5A), a person who organises a public procession and ... fails to comply with a condition imposed under this section is guilty of an offence, but it is a defence for him to prove that the failure arose from circumstances beyond his control.5 Subject to subsection (5A), a person who takes part in a public procession and ... fails to comply with a condition imposed under this section is guilty of an offence, but it is a defence for him to prove that the failure arose from circumstances beyond his control.5AA person is guilty of an offence under subsection (4) or (5) only if—ain the case of a public procession in England and Wales, at the time the person fails to comply with the condition the person knows or ought to know that the condition has been imposed;bin the case of a public procession in Scotland, the person knowingly fails to comply with the condition.6A person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (5) is guilty of an offence.7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8A person guilty of an offence under subsection (4) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public procession in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both;bin the case of a public procession in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.9A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public procession in England and Wales, to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;bin the case of a public procession in Scotland, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.10A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public procession in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both;bin the case of a public procession in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.10AIn relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration of penalties for certain summary offences: England and Wales), the references in subsections (8)(a) and to (10)(a) to 51 weeks are to be read as references to 6 months.11In Scotland this section applies only in relation to a procession being held, and to a procession intended to be held in a case where persons are assembling with a view to taking part in it.12The Secretary of State may by regulations amend any of subsections (2A) to (2C) for the purposes of making provision about the meaning for the purposes of this section of—aserious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of a public procession, orbserious disruption to the life of the community.13Regulations under subsection (12) may, in particular, amend any of those subsections for the purposes of—adefining any aspect of an expression mentioned in subsection (12)(a) or (b) for the purposes of this section;bgiving examples of cases in which a public procession is or is not to be treated as resulting in—iserious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the procession, oriiserious disruption to the life of the community.14Regulations under subsection (12)—aare to be made by statutory instrument;bmay apply only in relation to public processions in England and Wales;cmay make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision, including provision which makes consequential amendments to this Part.15A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (12) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.131If at any time the chief officer of police reasonably believes that, because of particular circumstances existing in any district or part of a district, the powers under section 12 will not be sufficient to prevent the holding of public processions in that district or part from resulting in serious public disorder, he shall apply to the council of the district for an order prohibiting for such period not exceeding 3 months as may be specified in the application the holding of all public processions (or of any class of public procession so specified) in the district or part concerned.2On receiving such an application, a council may with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order either in the terms of the application or with such modifications as may be approved by the Secretary of State.3Subsection (1) does not apply in the City of London or the metropolitan police district.4If at any time the Commissioner of Police for the City of London or the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis reasonably believes that, because of particular circumstances existing in his police area or part of it, the powers under section 12 will not be sufficient to prevent the holding of public processions in that area or part from resulting in serious public disorder, he may with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order prohibiting for such period not exceeding 3 months as may be specified in the order the holding of all public processions (or of any class of public procession so specified) in the area or part concerned.5An order made under this section may be revoked or varied by a subsequent order made in the same way, that is, in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) or subsection (4), as the case may be.6Any order under this section shall, if not made in writing, be recorded in writing as soon as practicable after being made.7A person who organises a public procession the holding of which he knows is prohibited by virtue of an order under this section is guilty of an offence.8A person who takes part in a public procession the holding of which he knows is prohibited by virtue of an order under this section is guilty of an offence.9A person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (8) is guilty of an offence.10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.12A person guilty of an offence under subsection (8) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.13A person guilty of an offence under subsection (9) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both . . . .141 Subsection (1A) applies if the senior police officer, having regard to the time or place at which and the circumstances in which any public assembly is being held or is intended to be held, reasonably believes that—ait may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community, aain the case of an assembly in England and Wales, the noise generated by persons taking part in the assembly may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the assembly,abin the case of an assembly in England and Wales—ithe noise generated by persons taking part in the assembly may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the assembly, andiithat impact may be significant, orbthe purpose of the persons organising it is the intimidation of others with a view to compelling them not to do an act they have a right to do, or to do an act they have a right not to do,...1AThe senior police officer may give directions imposing on the persons organising or taking part in the assembly—ain the case of an assembly in England and Wales, such conditions as appear to the officer necessary to prevent the disorder, damage, disruption, impact or intimidation mentioned in subsection (1);bin the case of an assembly in Scotland, such conditions as to the place at which the assembly may be (or continue to be) held, its maximum duration, or the maximum number of persons who may constitute it, as appear to the officer necessary to prevent the disorder, damage, disruption or intimidation mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b).2In this section “the senior police officer” means—ain relation to an assembly being held, the most senior in rank of the police officers present at the scene, andbin relation to an assembly intended to be held, the chief officer of police.This is subject to subsections (2ZA) and (2ZB). 2ZAThe reference in subsection (2)(a) to a police officer includes—aa constable of the British Transport Police Force, in relation to a place within section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003;ba member of the Ministry of Defence Police, in relation to a place to which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies.2ZBThe reference in subsection (2)(b) to a chief officer of police includes—athe chief constable of the British Transport Police Force, in relation to a place within section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003;bthe chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police, in relation to a place to which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies.2AFor the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the cases in which a public assembly in England and Wales may result in serious disruption to the life of the community include, in particular, where—ait may result in a significant delay to the supply of a time-sensitive product to consumers of that product, orbit may result in a prolonged disruption of access to any essential goods or any essential service, including, in particular, access to—ithe supply of money, food, water, energy or fuel,iia system of communication,iiia place of worship,iva transport facility,van educational institution, orvia service relating to health.2BIn subsection (2A)(a) “time-sensitive product” means a product whose value or use to its consumers may be significantly reduced by a delay in the supply of the product to them.2CFor the purposes of subsection (1)(aa), the cases in which the noise generated by persons taking part in a public assembly may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the assembly include, in particular, where it may result in persons connected with the organisation not being reasonably able, for a prolonged period of time, to carry on in that vicinity the activities or any one of them.2DFor the purposes of subsection (1)(ab)(i), the noise generated by persons taking part in an assembly may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the assembly if—ait may result in the intimidation or harassment of persons of reasonable firmness with the characteristics of persons likely to be in the vicinity, orbit may cause such persons to suffer alarm or distress.2EIn considering for the purposes of subsection (1)(ab)(ii) whether the noise generated by persons taking part in an assembly may have a significant impact on persons in the vicinity of the assembly, the senior police officer must have regard to—athe likely number of persons of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (2D) who may experience an impact of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection,bthe likely duration of that impact on such persons, andcthe likely intensity of that impact on such persons.3A direction given ... by virtue of subsection (2)(b) or (2ZB) shall be given in writing.4 Subject to subsection (5A), a person who organises a public assembly and ... fails to comply with a condition imposed under this section is guilty of an offence, but it is a defence for him to prove that the failure arose from circumstances beyond his control.5 Subject to subsection (5A), a person who takes part in a public assembly and ... fails to comply with a condition imposed under this section is guilty of an offence, but it is a defence for him to prove that the failure arose from circumstances beyond his control.5AA person is guilty of an offence under subsection (4) or (5) only if—ain the case of a public assembly in England and Wales, at the time the person fails to comply with the condition the person knows or ought to know that the condition has been imposed;bin the case of a public assembly in Scotland, the person knowingly fails to comply with the condition.6A person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (5) is guilty of an offence.7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8A person guilty of an offence under subsection (4) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public assembly in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both;bin the case of a public assembly in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.9A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public assembly in England and Wales, to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;bin the case of a public assembly in Scotland, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.10A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) is liable on summary conviction—ain the case of a public assembly in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both;bin the case of a public assembly in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.10AIn relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration of penalties for certain summary offences: England and Wales), the references in subsections (8)(a) and to (10)(a) to 51 weeks are to be read as references to 6 months.11The Secretary of State may by regulations amend any of subsections (2A) to (2C) for the purposes of making provision about the meaning for the purposes of this section of—aserious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of a public assembly, orbserious disruption to the life of the community.12Regulations under subsection (11) may, in particular, amend any of those subsections for the purposes of—adefining any aspect of an expression mentioned in subsection (11)(a) or (b) for the purposes of this section;bgiving examples of cases in which a public assembly is or is not to be treated as resulting in—iserious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the assembly, oriiserious disruption to the life of the community.13Regulations under subsection (11)—aare to be made by statutory instrument;bmay apply only in relation to public assemblies in England and Wales;cmay make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision, including provision which makes consequential amendments to this Part.14A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (11) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.14ZA1Subsection (2) applies if the senior police officer, having regard to the time or place at which and the circumstances in which any one-person protest in England and Wales is being carried on or is intended to be carried on, reasonably believes—athat the noise generated by the person carrying on the protest may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the protest, orbthat—ithe noise generated by the person carrying on the protest may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the protest, andiithat impact may be significant.2The senior police officer may give directions imposing on the person organising or carrying on the protest such conditions as appear to the officer necessary to prevent such disruption or impact.3Where the one-person protest is moving, or is intended to move, from place to place—athe senior police officer must also have regard under subsection (1) to its route or proposed route, andbthe conditions which may be imposed under subsection (2) include conditions as to the route of the protest or prohibiting the person carrying on the protest from entering any public place specified in the direction while the person is carrying it on.4In this section “one-person protest” means a protest which, at any one time, is carried on by one person in a public place.5In this section “the senior police officer” means—ain relation to a one-person protest being held or to a one-person protest intended to be held in a case where a person is in a place with a view to carrying on such a protest, the most senior in rank of the police officers present at the scene, andbin relation to a one-person protest intended to be held in a case where paragraph (a) does not apply, the chief officer of police. This is subject to subsections (5A) and (5B). 5AThe reference in subsection (5)(a) to a police officer includes—aa constable of the British Transport Police Force, in relation to a one-person protest—ibeing held at a place within section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, oriiintended to be held at a place within sub-paragraph (i) in a case where a person is in that place with a view to carrying on such a protest;ba member of the Ministry of Defence Police, in relation to a one-person protest—ibeing held at a place to which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies, oriiintended to be held at a place within sub-paragraph (i) in a case where a person is in that place with a view to carrying on such a protest.5BThe reference in subsection (5)(b) to a chief officer of police includes—athe chief constable of the British Transport Police Force, in relation to a one-person protest intended to be held at a place within section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, other than a one-person protest within subsection (5A)(a)(ii);bthe chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police, in relation to a one-person protest intended to be held at a place to which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies, other than a one-person protest within subsection (5A)(b)(ii).6For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the cases in which the noise generated by a person taking part in a one-person protest may result in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the protest include, in particular, where it may result in persons connected with the organisation not being reasonably able, for a prolonged period of time, to carry on in that vicinity the activities or any one of them.7For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i), the noise generated by a person carrying on a one-person protest may have a relevant impact on persons in the vicinity of the protest if—ait may result in the intimidation or harassment of persons of reasonable firmness with the characteristics of persons likely to be in the vicinity, orbit may cause such persons to suffer alarm or distress.8In considering for the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(ii) whether the noise generated by a person carrying on a one-person protest may have a significant impact on persons in the vicinity of the protest, the senior police officer must have regard to—athe likely number of persons of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (7) who may experience an impact of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection,bthe likely duration of that impact on such persons, andcthe likely intensity of that impact on such persons.9A direction given ... by virtue of subsection (5)(b) or (5B) must be given in writing.10A person (“P”) is guilty of an offence if—aP organises or carries on a one-person protest,bP fails to comply with a condition imposed under this section, andcat the time P fails to comply with the condition, P knows or ought to know that the condition has been imposed.11It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (10) to prove that the failure arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control.12A person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (10) is guilty of an offence.13A person guilty of an offence under subsection (10) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.14A person guilty of an offence under subsection (12) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.15In relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (alteration of penalties for certain summary offences: England and Wales), the reference in subsection (14) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 6 months.16The Secretary of State may by regulations amend subsection (6) for the purposes of making provision about the meaning for the purposes of this section of serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of a one-person protest.17Regulations under subsection (16) may, in particular, amend that subsection for the purposes of—adefining any aspect of that expression for the purposes of this section;bgiving examples of cases in which a one-person protest is or is not to be treated as resulting in serious disruption to the activities of an organisation which are carried on in the vicinity of the protest.18Regulations under subsection (16)—aare to be made by statutory instrument;bmay make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision, including provision which makes consequential amendments to this Part.19A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (16) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.14A1If at any time the chief officer of police reasonably believes that an assembly is intended to be held in any district at a place on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access and that the assembly—ais likely to be held without the permission of the occupier of the land or to conduct itself in such a way as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access, andbmay result—iin serious disruption to the life of the community, oriiwhere the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument,he may apply to the council of the district for an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in the district or a part of it, as specified.2On receiving such an application, a council may—ain England and Wales, with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order either in the terms of the application or with such modifications as may be approved by the Secretary of State; orbin Scotland, make an order in the terms of the application.3Subsection (1) does not apply in the City of London or the metropolitan police district.4If at any time the Commissioner of Police for the City of London or the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis reasonably believes that an assembly is intended to be held at a place on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access in his police area and that the assembly—ais likely to be held without the permission of the occupier of the land or to conduct itself in such a way as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access, andbmay result—iin serious disruption to the life of the community, oriiwhere the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument,he may with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in the area or a part of it, as specified.4ASubsection (4D) applies if at any time the chief constable of the British Transport Police Force reasonably believes that—aan assembly is intended to be held at a place—iwithin section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, andiion land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access, andbthe conditions in subsections (4B) and (4C) are met.4BThe condition in this subsection is that the assembly is likely—ato be held without the permission of the occupier of the land, orbto conduct itself in such a way as to exceed—ithe limits of any permission of the occupier, oriithe limits of the public’s right of access.4CThe condition in this subsection is that the assembly may result—ain serious disruption to the provision of railway services (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003),bin serious disruption to the life of the community, orcwhere the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument.4DWhere this subsection applies, the chief constable of the British Transport Police Force may with the consent of the relevant national authority make an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in a specified area.4EAn area specified in an order under subsection (4D) must comprise only—athe place mentioned in subsection (4A)(a), orbthat place together with any place—iwithin section 31(1)(a) to (f) of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, oriiwhere an assembly could affect a railway within the meaning of Part 3 of that Act or anything occurring on or in relation to such a railway.4FIn subsection (4D) “the relevant national authority” means—ain relation to an area in England and Wales, the Secretary of State;bin relation to an area in Scotland, the Scottish Ministers.4GSubsection (4J) applies if at any time the chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police reasonably believes that—aan assembly is intended to be held at a place—ito which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies, andiion land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access, andbthe conditions in subsections (4H) and (4I) are met.4HThe condition in this subsection is that the assembly is likely—ato be held without the permission of the occupier of the land, orbto conduct itself in such a way as to exceed—ithe limits of any permission of the occupier, oriithe limits of the public’s right of access.4IThe condition in this subsection is that the assembly may result—ain serious disruption to the use for a defence purpose of—ia place within section 2(2)(a) to (c) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987,iia place within section 4(1) of the Atomic Weapons Establishment Act 1991, oriiiin relation to a time after the coming into force of section 5 of the Defence Reform Act 2014, a place within subsection (1) of that section,bin serious disruption to the life of the community, orcwhere the land, or a building or monument on it, is of historical, architectural, archaeological or scientific importance, in significant damage to the land, building or monument.4JWhere this subsection applies, the chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police may with the consent of the Secretary of State make an order prohibiting for a specified period the holding of all trespassory assemblies in a specified area.4KAn area specified in an order under subsection (4J) which is not made in reliance on subsection (4I)(a) must comprise only one or more places to which section 2(2) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 applies.5An order prohibiting the holding of trespassory assemblies operates to prohibit any assembly which—ais held on land to which the public has no right of access or only a limited right of access, andbtakes place in the prohibited circumstances, that is to say, without the permission of the occupier of the land or so as to exceed the limits of any permission of his or the limits of the public’s right of access.6No order under this section shall prohibit the holding of assemblies for a period exceeding 4 days or in an area exceeding an area represented by a circle with a radius of 5 miles from a specified centre.7An order made under this section may be revoked or varied by a subsequent order made in the same way, that is, in accordance with subsection (1) and (2) , subsection (4), subsection (4D) or subsection (4J), as the case may be.8Any order under this section shall, if not made in writing, be recorded in writing as soon as practicable after being made.9In this section and sections 14B and 14C—“assembly” means an assembly of 20 or more persons;“land” means land in the open air;“limited”, in relation to a right of access by the public to land, means that their use of it is restricted to use for a particular purpose (as in the case of a highway or road) or is subject to other restrictions;“occupier” means—in England and Wales, the person entitled to possession of the land by virtue of an estate or interest held by him; orin Scotland, the person lawfully entitled to natural possession of the land,and in subsections (1) , (4), (4B) and (4H) includes the person reasonably believed by the authority applying for or making the order to be the occupier;“public” includes a section of the public; and“specified” means specified in an order under this section.9AIn relation to Scotland, the references in this section to the public’s rights (or limited right) of access do not include any right which the public or any member of the public may have by way of access rights within the meaning of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 2).10In relation to Scotland, the references in subsection (1) above to a district and to the council of the district shall be construed—aas respects applications before 1st April 1996, as references to the area of a regional or islands authority and to the authority in question; andbas respects applications on and after that date, as references to a local government area and to the council for that area.11In relation to Wales, the references in subsection (1) above to a district and to the council of the district shall be construed, as respects applications on and after 1st April 1996, as references to a county or county borough and to the council for that county or county borough.14B1A person who organises an assembly the holding of which he knows is prohibited by an order under section 14A is guilty of an offence.2A person who takes part in an assembly which he knows is prohibited by an order under section 14A is guilty of an offence.3In England and Wales, a person who incites another to commit an offence under subsection (2) is guilty of an offence.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.6A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.7A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both . . . .8Subsection (3) above is without prejudice to the application of any principle of Scots Law as respects art and part guilt to such incitement as is mentioned in that subsection.14C1If a constable in uniform reasonably believes that a person is on his way to an assembly within the area to which an order under section 14A applies which the constable reasonably believes is likely to be an assembly which is prohibited by that order, he may, subject to subsection (2) below—astop that person, andbdirect him not to proceed in the direction of the assembly.2The power conferred by subsection (1) may only be exercised within the area to which the order applies.3A person who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (1) which he knows has been given to him is guilty of an offence.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.151The chief officer of police may delegate, to such extent and subject to such conditions as he may specify, any of his functions under sections 12 to 14A to an assistant chief constable; and references in those sections to the person delegating shall be construed accordingly.2Subsection (1) has effect—ain the City of London as if “an assistant chief constable” read “an assistant commissioner of police or a commander”, andbin the metropolitan police district as if “an assistant chief constable” read “an assistant commissioner of police, a deputy assistant commissioner of police or a commander”.3The chief constable of the British Transport Police Force may delegate, to such extent and subject to such conditions as the chief constable may specify, any of the chief constable’s functions under sections 14 to 14A to an assistant chief constable of that Force; and references in those sections to the person delegating shall be construed accordingly.4The chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police may delegate, to such extent and subject to such conditions as the chief constable may specify, any of the chief constable’s functions under sections 14 to 14A to a deputy chief constable or assistant chief constable of that force; and references in those sections to the person delegating shall be construed accordingly.16In this Part—“the City of London” means the City as defined for the purposes of the Acts relating to the City of London police;“the metropolitan police district” means that district as defined in section 76 of the London Government Act 1963;“public assembly” means an assembly of 20 2 or more persons in a public place which is wholly or partly open to the air;“public place” means—any highway, or in Scotland any road within the meaning of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, andany place to which at the material time the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;“public procession” means a procession in a public place.Part III17In this Part “racial hatred” means hatred against a group of persons . . . defined by reference to colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins.181A person who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, is guilty of an offence if—ahe intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, orbhaving regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the written material is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and are not heard or seen except by other persons in that or another dwelling.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for the accused to prove that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the written material displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling.5A person who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred is not guilty of an offence under this section if he did not intend his words or behaviour, or the written material, to be, and was not aware that it might be, threatening, abusive or insulting.6This section does not apply to words or behaviour used, or written material displayed, solely for the purpose of being included in a programme included in a programme service.191A person who publishes or distributes written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting is guilty of an offence if—ahe intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, orbhaving regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for an accused who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he was not aware of the content of the material and did not suspect, and had no reason to suspect, that it was threatening, abusive or insulting.3References in this Part to the publication or distribution of written material are to its publication or distribution to the public or a section of the public.201If a public performance of a play is given which involves the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, any person who presents or directs the performance is guilty of an offence if—ahe intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, orbhaving regard to all the circumstances (and, in particular, taking the performance as a whole) racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2If a person presenting or directing the performance is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred, it is a defence for him to prove—athat he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the performance would involve the use of the offending words or behaviour, orbthat he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the offending words or behaviour were threatening, abusive or insulting, orcthat he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the circumstances in which the performance would be given would be such that racial hatred would be likely to be stirred up.3This section does not apply to a performance given solely or primarily for one or more of the following purposes—arehearsal,bmaking a recording of the performance, orcenabling the performance to be included in a programme service;but if it is proved that the performance was attended by persons other than those directly connected with the giving of the performance or the doing in relation to it of the things mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c), the performance shall, unless the contrary is shown, be taken not to have been given solely or primarily for the purposes mentioned above.4For the purposes of this section—aa person shall not be treated as presenting a performance of a play by reason only of his taking part in it as a performer,ba person taking part as a performer in a performance directed by another shall be treated as a person who directed the performance if without reasonable excuse he performs otherwise than in accordance with that person’s direction, andca person shall be taken to have directed a performance of a play given under his direction notwithstanding that he was not present during the performance;and a person shall not be treated as aiding or abetting the commission of an offence under this section by reason only of his taking part in a performance as a performer.5In this section “play” and “public performance” have the same meaning as in the Theatres Act 1968.6The following provisions of the Theatres Act 1968 apply in relation to an offence under this section as they apply to an offence under section 2 of that Act—section 9 (script as evidence of what was performed),section 10 (power to make copies of script),section 15 (powers of entry and inspection).211A person who distributes, or shows or plays, a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting is guilty of an offence if—ahe intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, orbhaving regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2In this Part “recording” means any record from which visual images or sounds may, by any means, be reproduced; and references to the distribution, showing or playing of a recording are to its distribution, showing or playing of a recording are to its distribution, showing or playing to the public or a section of the public.3In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for an accused who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he was not aware of the content of the recording and did not suspect, and had no reason to suspect, that it was threatening, abusive or insulting.4This section does not apply to the showing or playing of a recording solely for the purpose of enabling the recording to be included in a programme service.221If a programme involving threatening, abusive or insulting visual images or sounds is included in a programme service, each of the persons mentioned in subsection (2) is guilty of an offence if—ahe intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, orbhaving regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2The persons are—athe person providing the . . . programme service,bany person by whom the programme is produced or directed, andcany person by whom offending words or behaviour are used.3If the person providing the service, or a person by whom the programme was produced or directed, is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred, it is a defence for him to prove that—ahe did not know and had no reason to suspect that the programme would involve the offending material, andbhaving regard to the circumstances in which the programme was included in a programme service, it was not reasonably practicable for him to secure the removal of the material.4It is a defence for a person by whom the programme was produced or directed who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he did not know and had no reason to suspect—athat the programme would be included in a programme service, orbthat the circumstances in which the programme would be . . . so included would be such that racial hatred would be likely to be stirred up.5It is a defence for a person by whom offending words or behaviour were used and who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he did not know and had no reason to suspect—athat a programme involving the use of the offending material would be included in a programme service, orbthat the circumstances in which a programme involving the use of the offending material would be . . . so included, or in which a programme . . . so included would involve the use of the offending material, would be such that racial hatred would be likely to be stirred up.6A person who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred is not guilty of an offence under this section if he did not know, and had no reason to suspect, that the offending material was threatening, abusive or insulting.7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231A person who has in his possession written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, or a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting, with a view to—ain the case of written material, its being displayed, published, distributed, or included in a cable programme service, whether by himself or another, orbin the case of a recording, its being distributed, shown, played, or included in a cable programme service, whether by himself or another,is guilty of an offence if he intends racial hatred to be stirred up thereby or, having regard to all the circumstances, racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.2For this purpose regard shall be had to such display, publication, distribution, showing, playing, or inclusion in a programme service as he has, or it may reasonably be inferred that he has, in view.3In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for an accused who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he was not aware of the content of the written material or recording and did not suspect, and had no reason to suspect, that it was threatening, abusive or insulting.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241If in England and Wales a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath laid by a constable that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 23, the justice may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.2If in Scotland a sheriff or justice of the peace is satisfied by evidence on oath that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 23, the sheriff or justice may issue a warrant authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.3A constable entering or searching premises in pursuance of a warrant issued under this section may use reasonable force if necessary.4In this section “premises” means any place and, in particular, includes—aany vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft,bany offshore installation as defined in section 1(3) (b) of the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, andcany tent or movable structure.251A court by or before which a person is convicted of—aan offence under section 18 relating to the display of written material, or ban offence under section 19, 21 or 23,an offence under section 23shall order to be forfeited any written material or recording produced to the court and shown to its satisfaction to be written material or a recording to which the offence relates.2An order made under this section shall not take effect—ain the case of an order made in proceedings in England and Wales, until the expiry of the ordinary time within which an appeal may be instituted or, where an appeal is duly instituted, until it is finally decided or abandoned;bin the case of an order made in proceedings in Scotland, until the expiration of the time within which, by virtue of any statute, an appeal may be instituted or, where such an appeal is duly instituted, until the appeal is finally decided or abandoned.3For the purposes of subsection (2)(a)—aan application for a case stated or for leave to appeal shall be treated as the institution of an appeal, andbwhere a decision on appeal is subject to a further appeal, the appeal is not finally determined until the expiry of the ordinary time within which a further appeal may be instituted or, where a further appeal is duly instituted, until the further appeal is finally decided or abandoned.4For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) the lodging of an application for a stated case or note of appeal against sentence shall be treated as the institution of an appeal.261Nothing in this Part applies to a fair and accurate report of proceedings in Parliament or in the Scottish Parliamentor in the National Assembly for Wales.2Nothing in this Part applies to a fair and accurate report of proceedings publicly heard before a court or tribunal exercising judicial authority where the report is published contemporaneously with the proceedings or, if it is not reasonably practicable or would be unlawful to publish a report of them contemporaneously, as soon as publication is reasonably practicable and lawful.271No proceedings for an offence under this Part may be instituted in England and Wales except by or with the consent of the Attorney General.2For the purposes of the rules in England and Wales against charging more than one offence in the same count or information, each of sections 18 to 23 creates one offence.3A person guilty of an offence under this Part is liable—aon conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or a fine or both;bon summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.281Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Part and it is shown that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.2Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as it applies to a director.29In this Part—. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “distribute”, and related expressions, shall be construed in accordance with section 19(3) (written material) and section 21(2) (recordings);“dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person’s home or other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;“programme” means any item which is included in a programme service;“programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;“publish”, and related expressions, in relation to written material, shall be construed in accordance with section 19 (3);“racial hatred” has the meaning given by section 17;“recording” has the meaning given by section 21(2), and “play” and “show”, and related expressions, in relation to a recording, shall be construed in accordance with that provision; “recording” means any record from which visual images or sounds may, by any means, be reproduced; “written material” includes any sign or other visible representation. Part 3A 29AIn this Part “religious hatred” means hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to religious belief or lack of religious belief.29ABIn this Part “hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation” means hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to sexual orientation (whether towards persons of the same sex, the opposite sex or both).29B1A person who uses threatening words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the written material is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and are not heard or seen except by other persons in that or another dwelling.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for the accused to prove that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the written material displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling.5This section does not apply to words or behaviour used, or written material displayed, solely for the purpose of being included in a programme service.29C1A person who publishes or distributes written material which is threatening is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2References in this Part to the publication or distribution of written material are to its publication or distribution to the public or a section of the public.29D1If a public performance of a play is given which involves the use of threatening words or behaviour, any person who presents or directs the performance is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2This section does not apply to a performance given solely or primarily for one or more of the following purposes—arehearsal,bmaking a recording of the performance, orcenabling the performance to be included in a programme service;but if it is proved that the performance was attended by persons other than those directly connected with the giving of the performance or the doing in relation to it of the things mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c), the performance shall, unless the contrary is shown, be taken not to have been given solely or primarily for the purpose mentioned above.3For the purposes of this section—aa person shall not be treated as presenting a performance of a play by reason only of his taking part in it as a performer,ba person taking part as a performer in a performance directed by another shall be treated as a person who directed the performance if without reasonable excuse he performs otherwise than in accordance with that person's direction, andca person shall be taken to have directed a performance of a play given under his direction notwithstanding that he was not present during the performance;and a person shall not be treated as aiding or abetting the commission of an offence under this section by reason only of his taking part in a performance as a performer.4In this section “play” and “public performance” have the same meaning as in the Theatres Act 1968.5The following provisions of the Theatres Act 1968 apply in relation to an offence under this section as they apply to an offence under section 2 of that Act—section 9 (script as evidence of what was performed),section 10 (power to make copies of script),section 15 (powers of entry and inspection).29E1A person who distributes, or shows or plays, a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2In this Part “recording” means any record from which visual images or sounds may, by any means, be reproduced; and references to the distribution, showing or playing of a recording are to its distribution, showing or playing to the public or a section of the public.3This section does not apply to the showing or playing of a recording solely for the purpose of enabling the recording to be included in a programme service.29F1If a programme involving threatening visual images or sounds is included in a programme service, each of the persons mentioned in subsection (2) is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2The persons are—athe person providing the programme service,bany person by whom the programme is produced or directed, andcany person by whom offending words or behaviour are used.29G1A person who has in his possession written material which is threatening, or a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, with a view to—ain the case of written material, its being displayed, published, distributed, or included in a programme service whether by himself or another, orbin the case of a recording, its being distributed, shown, played, or included in a programme service, whether by himself or another,is guilty of an offence if he intends thereby to stir up religious hatred or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.2For this purpose regard shall be had to such display, publication, distribution, showing, playing, or inclusion in a programme service as he has, or it may reasonably be inferred that he has, in view.29H1If . . . a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath laid by a constable that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has possession of written material or a recording in contravention of section 29G, the justice may issue a warrant under his hand authorising any constable to enter and search the premises where it is suspected the material or recording is situated.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A constable entering or searching premises in pursuance of a warrant issued under this section may use reasonable force if necessary.4In this section “premises” means any place and, in particular, includes—aany vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft,bany offshore installation as defined in section 12 of the Mineral Workings (Offshore Installations) Act 1971, andcany tent or movable structure.29I1A court by or before which a person is convicted of—aan offence under section 29B relating to the display of written material, orban offence under section 29C, 29E or 29G,shall order to be forfeited any written material or recording produced to the court and shown to its satisfaction to be written material or a recording to which the offence relates.2An order made under this section shall not take effect—a. . . until the expiry of the ordinary time within which an appeal may be instituted or, where an appeal is duly instituted, until it is finally decided or abandoned;b. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3For the purposes of subsection (2)(a)—aan application for a case stated or for leave to appeal shall be treated as the institution of an appeal, andbwhere a decision on appeal is subject to a further appeal, the appeal is not finally determined until the expiry of the ordinary time within which a further appeal may be instituted or, where a further appeal is duly instituted, until the further appeal is finally decided or abandoned.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29JNothing in this Part shall be read or given effect in a way which prohibits or restricts discussion, criticism or expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, insult or abuse of particular religions or the beliefs or practices of their adherents, or of any other belief system or the beliefs or practices of its adherents, or proselytising or urging adherents of a different religion or belief system to cease practising their religion or belief system.29JA1In this Part, for the avoidance of doubt, the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging of persons to refrain from or modify such conduct or practices shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.2In this Part, for the avoidance of doubt, any discussion or criticism of marriage which concerns the sex of the parties to marriage shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.29K1Nothing in this Part applies to a fair and accurate report of proceedings in Parliament , in the Scottish Parliament or in the National Assembly for Wales.2Nothing in this Part applies to a fair and accurate report of proceedings publicly heard before a court or tribunal exercising judicial authority where the report is published contemporaneously with the proceedings or, if it is not reasonably practicable or would be unlawful to publish a report of them contemporaneously, as soon as publication is reasonably practicable and lawful.29L1No proceedings for an offence under this Part may be instituted ... except by or with the consent of the Attorney General.2For the purposes of the rules ... against charging more than one offence in the same count or information, each of sections 29B to 29G creates one offence.3A person guilty of an offence under this Part is liable—aon conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or a fine or both;bon summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.4In subsection (3)(b) the reference to 12 months shall be read as a reference to 6 months in relation to an offence committed before 2 May 2022.29M1Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Part and it is shown that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.2Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as it applies to a director.29NIn this Part—“distribute”, and related expressions, shall be construed in accordance with section 29C(2) (written material) and section 29E(2) (recordings);“dwelling” means any structure or part of a structure occupied as a person's home or other living accommodation (whether the occupation is separate or shared with others) but does not include any part not so occupied, and for this purpose “structure” includes a tent, caravan, vehicle, vessel or other temporary or movable structure;“hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation” has the meaning given by section 29AB;“programme” means any item which is included in a programme service;“programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;“publish”, and related expressions, in relation to written material, shall be construed in accordance with section 29C(2);“religious hatred” has the meaning given by section 29A;“recording” has the meaning given by section 29E(2), and “play” and “show”, and related expressions, in relation to a recording, shall be construed in accordance with that provision;“written material” includes any sign or other visible representation.Part IV30–37Part V381It is an offence for a person, with the intention—aof causing public alarm or anxiety, orbof causing injury to members of the public consuming or using the goods, orcof causing economic loss to any person by reason of the goods being shunned by members of the public, ordof causing economic loss to any person by reason of steps taken to avoid any such alarm or anxiety, injury or loss,to contaminate or interfere with goods, or make it appear that goods have been contaminated or interfered with, or to place goods which have been contaminated or interfered with, or which appear to have been contaminated or interfered with, in a place where goods of that description are consumed, used, sold or otherwise supplied.2It is also an offence for a person, with any such intention as is mentioned in paragraph (a), (c)or (d) of subsection (1), to threaten that he or another will do, or to claim that he or another has done, any of the acts mentioned in that subsection.3It is an offence for a person to be in possession of any of the following articles with a view to the commission of an offence under subsection (1)—amaterials to be used for contaminating or interfering with goods or making it appear that goods have been contaminated or interfered with, orbgoods which have been contaminated or interfered with, or which appear to have been contaminated or interfered with.4A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—aon conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or a fine or both, orbon summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both.5In this section “goods” includes substances whether natural or manufactured and whether or not incorporated in or mixed with other goods.6The reference in subsection (2) to a person claiming that certain acts have been committed does not include a person who in good faith reports or warns that such acts have been, or appear to have been, committed.39401Schedule 1, which amends the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 and Part V of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980, shall have effect.2Schedule 2, which contains miscellaneous and consequential amendments, shall have effect.3The enactments mentioned in Schedule 3 (which include enactments related to the subject matter of this Act but already obsolete or unnecessary) are repealed to the extent specified in column 3.4Nothing in this Act affects the common law powers in England and Wales to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace.5As respects Scotland, nothing in this Act affects any power of a constable under any rule of law.411This Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may appoint by order made by statutory instrument, and different days may be appointed for different provisions or different purposes.2Nothing in a provision of this Act applies in relation to an offence committed or act done before the provision comes into force.3Where a provision of this Act comes into force for certain purposes only, the references in subsection (2) to the provision are references to it so far as it relates to those purposes.421The provisions of this Act extend to England and Wales except so far as they—aamend or repeal an enactment which does not so extend, orbrelate to the extent of provisions to Scotland or Northern Ireland.2The following provisions of this Act extend to Scotland—in Part I, section 9(2) except paragraph (a);in Part II, sections 12 and 14 to 16;Part III;Part V, except sections 38, . . ., 40(4), subsections (1) and (3) of this section and any provision amending or repealing an enactment which does not extend to Scotland.3The following provisions of this Act extend to Northern Ireland—sections 38, 41, this subsection, and section 43.43This Act may be cited as the Public Order Act 1986.S. 3(6) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(2), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 4(3) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(3), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 4A inserted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 154; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2, Sch. 1S. 4A(4) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(4), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 5(4)(5) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(5), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 7(1) modified (1.10.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 63(1), 94(1), Sch. 6 para. 13 (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a)1967 c. 58. 1661 c. 5. 1793 c. 67. 1817 c. 19. 1936 c. 6. 1906 c. 41. 1978 c. 30. S. 12(7) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(6), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 13(10) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(7), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)Words in s. 13(13) omitted (1.10.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 63(1)(2), 94(1), Sch. 6 para. 58(3)(b) (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a)S. 14 excluded (E.W.) (1.8.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 132(6), 178(8); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 4(1)S. 14(7) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(8), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)S. 14A inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33 ss. 70, 172(4)S. 14A(9A) inserted (S.) (9.2.2005) by Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 2), ss. 99, 100(3), sch. 2 para. 9 (with s. 100(2)); S.S.I. 2005/17, art. 2(b)S. 14B inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 70, 172(4)Words in s. 14B(7) omitted (E.W.) (1.10.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 63(2), 94(1), Sch. 6 para. 58(3)(d) (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a)S. 14C inserted (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 71, 172(4)Word in s. 15(1) substituted (1.3.1998) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 60; S.I. 1998/277, art. 3Words in s. 15(1) substituted (1.4.1995) by 1994 c. 29, s. 44, Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 37; S.I. 1994/3262, art. 4, Sch.1963 c. 33. S. 16: in definition of "public assembly", reference to "20" substituted (E.W.) (20.1.2004) for reference to "2" by Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (c. 38), ss. 57, 93(1); S.I. 2003/3300, art. 2(e)(i)1984 c. 54. Words in s. 17 repealed (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 37, 125, 127(2), Sch. 8 Pt. 4 (with s. 42)S. 18(3) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(11), Sch 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi)Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(2)Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(2)1968 c. 54. Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(2)Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(3)(a)Words repealed by Broadcating Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(i), 203(3), Sch. 21Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(3)(a)Words repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(ii), 203(3), Sch. 21S. 22(7)(8) repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(3)(b)(iii)(iv), 203(3), Sch. 21Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(4)(a)Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(4)(b)S. 23(4) repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(4)(c), 203(3), Sch. 211971 c. 61. Words in s. 26 inserted (6.5.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 24 (with s 126(3)-(11); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2, Sch. 3Words in s. 26(1) inserted by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 160(1), Sch. 10 para. 19, the amending provision coming into force immediately after the 2007 election (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the amending Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of the initial period (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the amending Act).Words in s. 27(3) substituted (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 40, 127(2) (with s. 42)Definitions repealed by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), ss. 164(5)(a), 203(3), Sch. 21Words substituted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(5)(b)Definition inserted by Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42, SIF 96), s. 164(5)(c)Words in cross-heading preceding s. 29A inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 3; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)S. 29AB inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 4; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29B(1) inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 6(2); S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)S. 29B(3) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 6(3), Sch. 28 Pt. 5Words in s. 29C(1) inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 7; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29D(1) inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 8; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29E(1) inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 9; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29F(1) inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 10; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in cross-heading preceding s. 29B inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 5; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29G(1) substituted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 11; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in s. 29H(1) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 12(2), Sch. 28 Pt. 5S. 29H(2) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 12(3), Sch. 28 Pt. 5Words in s. 29I(2)(a) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 13(2)(a), Sch. 28 Pt. 5S. 29I(2)(b) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 13(2)(b), Sch. 28 Pt. 5S. 29I(4) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 13(3), Sch. 28 Pt. 5S. 29JA inserted (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 14Words in s. 29K(1) substituted (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 15Words in s. 29L(1)(2) repealed (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 149, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 16(2), Sch. 28 Pt. 5Words in s. 29L(3)(b) substituted (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 16(3)S. 29L(4) inserted (8.5.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(1)(j), Sch. 16 para. 16(4)S. 29N: definition of "hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation" inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 17; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Words in Pt. 3A heading inserted (23.3.2010) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 74, 153(7), Sch. 16 para. 2; S.I. 2010/712, art. 2(d)Ss. 30–37 repealed with saving by Football Supporters Act 1989 (c. 37, SIF 45A), s. 27(5); Subject to amendment (27.9.1999) (E.W.) by 1999 c. 21, ss. 6(1), 6(2)(a)(b), 7(1), 8(1)(2)(4)(5); Subject to amendment (1.4.2001) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 90, 106, 108, Sch. 13 para. 134, Sch. 15 Pt. V(7); S.I. 2001/916, art. 2 (with transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 2 para. 2); Subject to amendment (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165(1), 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 101; Subject to amendment (28.8.2000) by 2000 c. 25, s. 1(2)(3), Sch. 2 paras. 3-7, Sch. 3; S.I. 2000/2125, art. 2S. 39 repealed (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, ss. 168(3), 172(4), Sch. 111985 c. 57. 1980 c. 62. Power of appointment conferred by s. 41 partly exercised: S.I. 1986/2041, 1987/198, 852Word in s. 42(2) repealed (3.11.1994) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(3), 172(2), Sch. 11Words substituted by S.I. 1987/463 (N.I. 7), art. 28(1), Sch. 1 para. 6Pt. 3A inserted (E.W.) (1.10.2007 except so far as relating to the insertion of ss. 29B(3), 29H(2), 29I(2)(b)(4)) by Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 (c. 1), ss. 1, 3(2), Sch.; S.I. 2007/2490, art. 2Words in s. 5(1) substituted (1.2.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 57(2), 61(2); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 3Words in s. 6(4) substituted (1.2.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 57(3), 61(2); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 3S. 29JA(1): s. 29JA renumbered as s. 29JA(1) (13.3.2014) by Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (c. 30), s. 21(3), Sch. 7 para. 28(2); S.I. 2014/93, art. 3(k)(ii)S. 29JA(2) inserted (13.3.2014) by Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (c. 30), s. 21(3), Sch. 7 para. 28(3); S.I. 2014/93, art. 3(k)(ii)S. 10(1) omitted (6.4.2017) by virtue of Riot Compensation Act 2016 (c. 8), ss. 10(3)(b), 12(1)(2); S.I. 2017/379, reg. 2S. 14C(4) repealed (E.W.) (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(10), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi); and (S.) (25.1.2018) by The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplementary Modifications) Regulations 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/452), reg. 1, sch. para. 10S. 14B(4) repealed (E.W.) (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 111, 174(2), 178(8), Sch. 7 para. 26(9), Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(m)(u)(xxvi); and (S.) (25.1.2018) by The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplementary Modifications) Regulations 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/452), reg. 1, sch. para. 10Words in s. 29L(4) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1S. 14ZA inserted (E.W.) (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 79(1), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(j)S. 12(2A)-(2E) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 73(3), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i) (as amended by S.I. 2022/680, reg. 2(a))S. 12(12)-(15) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 73(4), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i) (as amended by S.I. 2022/680, reg. 2(a))S. 12(5A) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(5), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 12(8)-(10A) substituted for s. 12(8)-(10) (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(6), 208(1) (with s. 75(12)); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 12(1)(aa)(ab) substituted (28.6.2022) for word by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 73(2)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i) (as amended by S.I. 2022/680, reg. 2(a))Word in s. 12(1) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 73(2)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i) (as amended by S.I. 2022/680, reg. 2(a))Words in s. 12(4) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(3)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Word in s. 12(4) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(3)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 12(5) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(4)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Word in s. 12(5) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(4)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(1A) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(3), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(2A)-(2E) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(5), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(8)-(10A) substituted for s. 14(8)-(10) (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(11), 208(1) (with s. 75(12)); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(11)-(14) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(6), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(5A) inserted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(10), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 14(1) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(2)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 14(1) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(2)(c), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 14(1)(aa)(ab) substituted (28.6.2022) for word by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(2)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 14(2) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 74(4), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 14(4) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(8)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Word in s. 14(4) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(8)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Words in s. 14(5) substituted (28.6.2022) by Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(9)(a), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)Word in s. 14(5) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), ss. 75(9)(b), 208(1); S.I. 2022/520, reg. 5(i)S. 15(2) substituted (3.5.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 15, 35(5); S.I. 2023/502, reg. 2(e)Words in s. 14(2) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(2)(a), 35(4)S. 14(2ZA)(2ZB) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(2)(b), 35(4)Words in s. 14(3) omitted (2.7.2023) by virtue of Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(2)(c)(i), 35(4)Words in s. 14(3) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(2)(c)(ii), 35(4)S. 14A(4A)-(4K) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(4)(a), 35(4)Words in s. 14A(7) substituted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(4)(b), 35(4)Words in s. 14A(9) substituted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(4)(c), 35(4)Words in s. 14ZA(5) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(3)(a), 35(4)S. 14ZA(5A)(5B) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(3)(b), 35(4)Words in s. 14ZA(9) omitted (2.7.2023) by virtue of Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(3)(c)(i), 35(4)Words in s. 14ZA(9) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(3)(c)(ii), 35(4)S. 15(3)(4) inserted (2.7.2023) by Public Order Act 2023 (c. 15), ss. 16(5), 35(4)Ss. 18-21 repealed (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(2); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 23(1)(a) repealed (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(3)(a); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 23(1)(b) repealed (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(3)(b); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 23(2) repealed (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(3)(c); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 25(1) substituted for s. 25(1)(a)(b) (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(4); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 29 repealed (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(5)(a); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)Words in s. 29 substituted (S.) (1.4.2024) by Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 14), s. 21(2), sch. 2 para. 1(5)(b); S.S.I. 2024/82, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)S. 4B inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2026) by Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 (c. 47), ss. 1, 4(3); S.I. 2026/344, reg. 2(a)