Recent poll

[Kromovaracun]

Hi everyone,

I've noticed the most recnet poll on AB about legislation being introduced against homophobic abuse. I can't seem to find anything on the Beeb (but I'm extremely impatient and pressed for time), so I'd enormously appreciate it if some nice people could provide me with a link or two, as I know several other people who'd be interested.

Oh, and you can discuss them if you like.

[sp1814]

Kromovaracun

Here you go:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,,2 186690,00.html

[sp1814]

The poll is worded a bit dailymaily though. The legislation is "defined as inciting hatred on the grounds of sexuality", (protecting bisexuals and heterosexuals too).

No doubt this fine point will be lost once the right wing press get their hands on this one.

[Loosehead]

I thought It was already covered by existing legislation. It's already illegal to incite just about anything so why the need to spell it out?

[sp1814]

triggerhippy

Nope...you couldn't be arrested for that...but it will mean that Jamaican dance hall stars won't be able to perform their gay-hate songs over here.

Good thing.

Loosehead - actually, no I'm sure it's not covered by existing legislation. I think the point of these new laws is to spell it out as being specifically unacceptable - along the lines of the religious and race laws.

[Loosehead]

It is reassuring though that over 55% go with the "No you can't control what people think" answer. That about sums it up. Thought policing is not viable!

[jackthehat]

My partner and I suffered a greaat deal of abuse at our previous address, so much so that we considered selling-up and moving. Whilst the local plods were sympathetic, there wasn't actually much that they could do.........
...........this legislation would have saved us four years of intimidation and vandalism.............

[China Doll]

That being the case it sounds rather like a good thing.

I don't see why anyone should have to go through what jackthehat says they did without the police being able to do something to the little yobs doing it.

[Loosehead]

Hang on jack, we have a law against burglary, I don't think it has entirely stopped it.

The low life abusing you will not change their spots just because there's a law. OK occasionally the Police may even nick one, doesn't change anything. It's society's attitudes that need changing and you cannot do that easily with laws alone, you need the buy in of the masses.

[jackthehat]

Loosehead - The Plods need to have substantial legislation behind them before they are able to act..................I can't disagree with you regarding burglary, however.........

But if the Pods had had this particular piece of legislation in their armoury with which to approach the parents of these kids, matters may have been brought to a close a lot earlier in our case.

[jno]

the legislation is hardly about policing what people think, is it, Loosehead? It's about policing what they say and do, which is a different matter.

[ruby27]

Changes in legislation do bring about changes in people's thinking and then behaviour. So whilst this law will not immediately change homophobic beliefs and behaviour, in time it will help change attitudes, as well as giving police powers to arrest and Courts to pass sentence.

[Loosehead]

Yes jno but the thoughts are the start of the action and it's the mental state of these people that needs to be addressed. I'm the first to say nick em and bang em up when crime is committed but I also think that positive moves to change attitudes need to be made, the carrot as it where to accompany the stick. There are already laws to deal with criminal damage, vandalism and abuse as described by jack above, the plods are already armed with all they need. I think it's the whole police focus that needs to be looked at, they do not seem to care much about this sort of crime but whoe betide you if you are not wearing a seat belt.