Belfast DPP calls for support to eliminate hate crimes

The Chairman of the Belfast District Policing Partnership has called on everyone in Belfast to play their part in eliminating hate crime.

Councillor Ruth Patterson said that the wider community, and society in general, needed to change its attitudes and behaviour significantly in order to address the broader issues associated with hate crime.

While the DPP welcomed the proposals in the Draft Criminal Justice Order to impose heavier sentences for hate crime related offences, Councillor Patterson said that improved legislation and heavier sentences in themselves were not enough to tackle the problem.

“The Belfast DPP calls on everyone in the city to reject totally attacks, whether verbal or physical, on anyone because of their religion, race or sexual orientation," she said. "We all want to see a city where everyone feels safe, and where the cancer of intolerance is consigned to the dustbin of history."

With almost one-third of racist attacks in 2003 reported in the south Belfast area, Councillor Patterson added that the DPP supported the Police view that there was no quick solution to the problem, but that it required a long-term remedy, including improved policing resources and a multi-agency approach.

(MB)