PLANS to implement a law designed to tackle hate crime in Jersey should be “progressed as a matter of urgency”, according to a local equality and diversity charity – which has said the legislation “would act as a deterrent to this type of behaviour”.
Liberate chief executive Kaye Nicholson said the charity was “encouraged” by the recent update given by Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles, who revealed that a consultation on the subject was due to be launched this month with a view to bringing draft legislation to the States Assembly before the end of next year.
Responding to a written question from Deputy Louise Doublet, Senator Miles explained that 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”.
The consultation is expected to close in January.
It marks the latest chapter in the government’s response to long-running calls for it to address the Island’s lack of specific legal protections against hate crime.
Deputy Doublet told the JEP that she had sought the update from the minister “because there is more and more urgency behind the need for this legislation”.
She continued: “In 2021, two political terms ago, I scrutinised this area and commitments were given by the then [Home Affairs] Minister Len Norman to progress it and ensure that it covered gender-based hate crimes.
“I do understand the reasons for some of the delay, but the public have already been consulted on this and we need to get on and draft the legislation.”
Deputy Doublet noted that legislation “isn’t just about punitive measures”.
“It represents what we think is important culturally,” she added.
“A hate crime law would go some way towards those from minorities in our community feeling more prioritised and protected. I do think that this legislation also needs to be accompanied by robust training for front line services, and education measures.”
There were 44 racially-motivated hate crime incidents reported in Jersey last year, according to police data released under the Freedom of Information Law.
Ms Nicholson added: “Liberate has been actively advocating for the introduction of hate crime legislation in Jersey for the last few years, so we are encouraged by Senator Miles’ commitment to a timely process in order to implement this legislation.”
She continued: “It is important that this is now progressed as a matter of urgency, given it has been in the pipeline for many years with very little progress.
“Hate crime is experienced by a wide range of minoritised individuals in our community, on the basis of various personal characteristics including but not limited to: being LGBTQ+, on the basis of race and ethnicity, religion and belief, and disability.”
Ms Nicholson cited “a significant level of underreporting of hate crimes in general”, contending that this was “perhaps in part due to the absence of dedicated legislation”.
“We continue to liaise with the States of Jersey Police on increasing the awareness of the ability to report these types of incidents – they are not and should not be accepted as ‘just a part of life’ for people,” she added.
“We also strongly encourage anyone who experiences this type of incident to report it to the police.”
Ms Nicholson contended that the implementation of a dedicated hate crime law “would act as a deterrent to this type of behaviour”.
She also said that it would “send a clear message that Jersey protects the people it recognises are more vulnerable to targeted crime and abuse”.
“However, it is important to acknowledge that legislation on its own is not enough to resolve this issue,” Ms Nicholson added.
“Societal change, whereby our community takes responsibility to condemn this type of behaviour and stand against division, prejudice and discrimination, is the other crucial factor.
“It is our belief, and hope, that with these two approaches, everyone will feel safer visiting and living here.”
