A consultation exercise has been launched to inform the independent review of hate crime legislation in Scotland.

The consultation, launched by Lord Bracadale (leader of the current review), is seeking views on the definition of hate crime, reflecting on how well the current legislation operates for the groups that are covered and asking whether amendments need to be made.

There will also be exploration on whether there should be new categories of hate crime (in relation to age, gender and refugees, for example). The consultation also invities views on how the law can deal with online hate crime.

In addition, Lord Bracadale has taken the opportunity to highlight issues which may need further consideration outwith the review.

In order to make the consultation exercise as accessible as possible, there are 3 versions of the consultation available:

the full version (aimed at a legal audience)
a non-technical guide (aimed at the general reader with no specialist legal knowledge)
an easy-read version with simple language and pictorial aides

The deadline for responses is Thursday 23^rd November.

To submit your response, or for further information, please visit the Scottish Government Consultation Hub website.

Alternatively, view Lord Bracadale’s open letter on the consultation exercise.