People asked to shape potential hate crime law

People in Jersey are being asked to give feedback about potential new hate crime laws.

A hate crime is a crime such as assault, harassment, threats or criminal damage motivated by hostility towards a person's protected characteristic, such as race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

In the UK, such crimes are covered by its Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and Section 66 of the Sentencing Act 2020, but Jersey has no similar legislation.

Politicians said the aim of similar laws in Jersey would be to make sure everyone was protected from crime motivated by hostility or prejudice, while also protecting freedom of expression. The consultation is open until Tuesday 12 January 2027.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles, said: "What we realise is the public order law alone isn't sufficient enough to tackle the offences that we have in Jersey that are motivated by hate."

The consultation builds on previous work carried out in 2019 and aimed to gather the views of a range of people, groups and communities across the island, officials said.

Miles said: "This consultation is an opportunity for islanders to help shape how Jersey responds to crimes motivated by hostility and prejudice.

"We know this is an important issue and want to hear from as many people as possible before any law is drafted.

"We are committed to ensuring any future legislation protects people from harm while safeguarding freedom of expression."

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