It has been 38 years since The Criminal Offences Act (1980) was passed, partially decriminalising male homosexuality. This was a monumental moment in Scottish LGBT history. We've certainly come a long way from the rampant homophobia and discrimination of the past, but there's still much of that same prejudice present in modern society. In the past year alone, one in five LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people have been the victim of a hate crime. Furthermore, this number is disproportionately higher for ethnic minorities, disabled people and young persons. Sadly, the more progressive attitudes in society do not negate the fact that we still have a long way to go before LGBT people are treated equally. Schools have great power
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Right now there is a massive issue with under-reporting of hate crime to the police. A mere 19% of LGBT people and 12% of young LGBT people (aged 18-24) report hate crime to the police. With such staggeringly low numbers of people who feel comfortable reporting, it is evident that the police aren't dealing with the reports they do receive with proper conduct or sensitivity. There are hundreds of anecdotes showing this. When Angus from Scotland reported he was raped police officers repeatedly misgendered him (using pronouns or referring to someone in a way that does not reflect their gender identity); when Noah from the West Midlands told the police about a homophobic attack against him and his friends they told him to "be more resilient"; when Edward from North East England reported his attack to the police, they told him not to press charges despite the man confessing to the assault. It is not difficult to see why over 80% of LGBT people don't report hate crimes; especially when those who do report are either mocked or disregarded. More accepting and helpful law enforcement starts with better training. Teaching trainee officers more about LGBT oriented hate crime or including specific sensitivity training for such cases would increase confidence in our
Right now there is a massive issue with under-reporting of hate crime to the police. A mere 19% of LGBT people and 12% of young LGBT people (aged 18-24) report hate crime to the police. With such staggeringly low numbers of people who feel comfortable reporting, it is evident that the police aren't dealing with the reports they do receive with proper conduct or sensitivity. There are hundreds of anecdotes showing this. When Angus from Scotland reported he was raped police officers repeatedly misgendered him (using pronouns or referring to someone in a way that does not reflect their gender identity); when Noah from the West Midlands told the police about a homophobic attack against him and his friends they told him to "be more resilient"; when Edward from North East England reported his attack to the police, they told him not to press charges despite the man confessing to the assault. It is not difficult to see why over 80% of LGBT people don't report hate crimes; especially when those who do report are either mocked or disregarded. More accepting and helpful law enforcement starts with better training. Teaching trainee officers more about LGBT oriented hate crime or including specific sensitivity training for such cases would increase confidence in our