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)

F2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .