§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government has to amend the law to protect(a) transsexuals,(b) people with learning difficulties and(c) people with disabilities from hate crime; and if he will make a statement. [186869]
§ Fiona MactaggartAll categories of people are already protected by the criminal law. In particular they are protected from violence and threats of violence by offences such as assault, actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm. They are also protected from harassment by legislation, including the Protection from Harassment Act. In sentencing for these crimes, courts1680WS take particular account of the vulnerability of the victim and the motivation for the crime. The Government has no plans to amend the law to apply differently or specifically to these groups of people.