Government committed to a hate crime law

A minister says she is committed to introducing a hate crime law in Jersey.

Responding to a written question, Justice & Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles said she intended to have a draft ready for a vote in the Assembly by the end of 2027.

Miles said she would "consult with the public, victims, community organisations, and criminal justice agencies" during the process.

Previous governments failed to create a law, despite expressing a desire to do something about the issue.

In 2024, then Justice & Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said the lack of a specific hate crime law "must be addressed in order for Jersey to meet its present international obligations".

However, despite work commencing in the previous political term, no legislation has yet been brought before the States Assembly.

In a written question, Deputy Louise Doublet asked the current minister, Senator Miles, for an update on the plans.

Miles said she was "committed to bringing forward hate crime legislation that is fit for purpose and appropriate for Jersey".

In England and Wales, hate crime laws protect people from hostility based on five protected characteristics: race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity.

Preparatory work is already underway and it is expected that a 12-week consultation on the issue will be launched this month.

The minister said the consultation "will consider whether specific hate crime legislation is indeed required, which characteristics should be protected, and whether any measures would be proportionate and workable in Jersey".

She said it was her intention to "progress work as quickly as possible and bring draft legislation before the States Assembly before the end of 2027".

Some islanders have previously spoken to the BBC about their experience of transphobic and homophobic abuse, as well as their disappointment at the lack of progress.

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