The Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has announced proposals for changes to legislation in Northern Ireland on crimes motivated by sectarianism and racism.

The proposals include measures to put on a statutory footing a requirement for sentencers to treat racial and religious aggravation as a factor when sentencing. These measures will be extended to apply to offences motivated by hatred of sexual orientation.

Mr Murphy said: "Intimidation and violence inspired by sectarian malice has no place in modern Northern Ireland. The changes I am announcing will oblige judges in Northern Ireland to take into account the motivation of crimes by hatred of the victim's religious faith, racial background or sexual orientation.

"These proposals are for important changes in legislation which will strengthen the position of sentencers when dealing with crime motivated by hatred and will give them the power to sentence more severely. These reinforce the message to society that crime motivated by sectarianism, racism and hatred of sexual orientation is unacceptable."

There will also be increased maximum sentences for certain, mainly violent, offences which will give judges greater scope in sentencing, where such aggravation is proven. For example:

• the maximum penalty for criminal damage would increase from 10 to 14 years
• for putting in fear of violence from five to seven years
• for causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm from five to seven years.

Mr Murphy concluded: "These proposals send out the message that sectarianism and racism have no place in our community and are an important step in establishing a safer and more tolerant society in Northern Ireland, which I am sure that the people of Northern Ireland will warmly welcome."

A public consultation on race crime and sectarian crime legislation was originally launched by Des Browne in November 2002 and ended in March 2003.

(MB)