10/09/2025
Naomi Long Commits To New Hate Crime Protections
Justice Minister Naomi Long has reiterated her commitment to improving support and legal protections for victims of hate crime.
She stated that it is "completely unacceptable" for someone to be targeted because of their identity, origin, or beliefs.
The Minister confirmed her intention to introduce the most impactful provisions from Judge Marrinan’s Review of Hate Crime Legislation within the current mandate. This will be achieved through a new Sentencing Bill and a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.
Ms Long described racism and sectarianism as "two sides of the one coin" and said that tackling these issues will require a partnership approach across government departments. She urged people not to engage in such "despicable behaviour," warning that they will be held accountable and could face a prison sentence. The Minister also encouraged anyone who suspects a hate crime has been committed to report it to the PSNI.
She stated that it is "completely unacceptable" for someone to be targeted because of their identity, origin, or beliefs.
Ms Long described racism and sectarianism as "two sides of the one coin" and said that tackling these issues will require a partnership approach across government departments. She urged people not to engage in such "despicable behaviour," warning that they will be held accountable and could face a prison sentence. The Minister also encouraged anyone who suspects a hate crime has been committed to report it to the PSNI.
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28 February 2020
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
Justice Minister Encourages Reports Of Online Hate Crime
Justice Minister Naomi Long is urging victims of online hate crimes to file a report to police to allow them to get the support they need. Ms Long encouraged members of the public to "call it out" and help police catch online perpetrators at an Online Hate Crime Event at Belfast City Hall.
31 January 2022
Public Urged To Help Develop New Hate Crime Bill
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the launch of a new public consultation on the development of a Hate Crime Bill, which will be taken forward in the next Assembly mandate.
Public Urged To Help Develop New Hate Crime Bill
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the launch of a new public consultation on the development of a Hate Crime Bill, which will be taken forward in the next Assembly mandate.
01 December 2020
Hate Crime Legislation Recommendations 'Complex And Wide-Ranging'
The Final Report of a review in to NI's hate crime legislations contains recommendations that are "complex and wide–ranging" and Justice Minister Naomi Long has said she will have to "take some time to give them careful consideration". The report has been compiled by Judge Desmond Marrinan.
Hate Crime Legislation Recommendations 'Complex And Wide-Ranging'
The Final Report of a review in to NI's hate crime legislations contains recommendations that are "complex and wide–ranging" and Justice Minister Naomi Long has said she will have to "take some time to give them careful consideration". The report has been compiled by Judge Desmond Marrinan.
07 June 2022
SF Calls For Hate Crime Laws To Be Strengthened
Laws to tackle hate crimes and sectarianism must be strengthened, Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has said. O'Neill said: "There can be no place for sectarianism, racism, misogyny or discrimination in our society.
SF Calls For Hate Crime Laws To Be Strengthened
Laws to tackle hate crimes and sectarianism must be strengthened, Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has said. O'Neill said: "There can be no place for sectarianism, racism, misogyny or discrimination in our society.
06 May 2014
Polish Residents Attacked In Latest Hate Crime
Two Polish residents of east Belfast have become the latest victims of a spate of racist hate crimes in the city, after the living room window of their house on Templemore Avenue was smashed at 23:30 on Monday night. A man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s were in the house at the time.
Polish Residents Attacked In Latest Hate Crime
Two Polish residents of east Belfast have become the latest victims of a spate of racist hate crimes in the city, after the living room window of their house on Templemore Avenue was smashed at 23:30 on Monday night. A man in his 20s and a woman in her 40s were in the house at the time.
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