Part 5Race and Religion

39 Religiously aggravated offences

1

Part 2 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (6).

2

In the cross-heading preceding section 28 for “Racially-aggravated” substitute “ Racially or religiously aggravated ”.

3

In section 28 (meaning of racially aggravated)—

a

in the sidenote and subsection (1) for “racially aggravated” substitute “ racially or religiously aggravated ”;

b

in subsections (1) and (2) for “racial group” substitute “ racial or religious group ”;

c

in subsection (3) for the words from “on” to the end of the subsection substitute “ on any other factor not mentioned in that paragraph. ”

4

In section 28 after subsection (4) insert—

5

In this section “religious group” means a group of persons defined by reference to religious belief or lack of religious belief.

5

In each of the provisions listed in subsection (6)—

a

in the sidenote for “Racially-aggravated” substitute “ Racially or religiously aggravated ”;

b

in subsection (1) for “racially aggravated” substitute “ racially or religiously aggravated ”.

6

The provisions are—

a

section 29 (assaults);

b

section 30 (criminal damage);

c

section 31 (public order offences);

d

section 32 (harassment etc.).

7

F1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

In section 24(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60) (arrestable offences) in paragraph (p) (offences falling within section 32(1)(a) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998) for “racially-aggravated” substitute “ racially or religiously aggravated ”.