In the first year since the implementation of the Offences
(Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009, 448 charges were
made with an aggravation of sexual orientation; 14 with an
aggravation of gender identity.
The figure for crimes aggravated by religious prejudice - a
factor on which police have been reporting for five years - was
693.
The number of homophobic and transphobic incidents could actually
be much higher. Research conducted by Stonewall Scotland
showed that the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
people who'd experienced a hate crime did not report this to
police; a quarter of those who did not report stated that the
incidents did not seem worth reporting because it was just part of
life as an LGBT person in Scotland.
Carl Watt, Director of Stonewall Scotland, said: "These figures
give us an indication of the prejudice that still exists across
Scotland towards people due to their sexual orientation or gender
identity; prejudice which has no place in modern Scotland. Strong
leadership and a visible commitment is now required from the
Scottish Government to tackle this prejudice and ensure it is
removed from our schools, from our football terraces, from our
streets."
"It is essential that these crimes are reported and recorded to
build an accurate picture of this problem. We also call for a more
thorough breakdown of the statistics, including types of crime,
geographical location and any repeat offences. We continue to
work with Scotland's police forces to encourage all victims and
witnesses to come forward."
