HATE crime could soon be an offence in Victoria as the State Government moves to crack down on violent attacks against Indian students, homosexuals and other targeted groups, reports The Age.
Under a plan being pushed by Attorney-General Rob Hulls, judges would have to take into account “hatred for or a prejudice against a particular group of people” as an aggravating factor when sentencing offenders.
Then report further said: “Tougher sentences would apply to crimes deemed to be based on victims’ race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Mr Hulls hopes to have the new offence inserted into the state Sentencing Act by the end of the year.”
