Three out of four hate crime categories saw their number of charges rise during 2013/14
Hate crimes in Scotland rose last year, with the number of people targeted because of their sexuality increasing by almost a quarter.
Official statistics from the government’s Hate Crime in Scotland report showed there were 890 sexuality aggravated crimes committed in 2013/14.
No one should have to face discrimination or prejudice in any form in 21st century Scotland
Racially aggravated crime, saw an increase of 3%. However, it still accounts for the majority of hate crime with 4,148 charges – more than twice the number for all other categories combined.
Religious offences are down by 17% but offences against disabled people increased 12%.
Colin MacFarlane, director of Stonewall Scotland, said more needs to be done to tackle sexuality aggravated hate crime.
He accepted the increase may indicate more LGBT people feel able to report hate crimes but said Stonewall Scotland’s own research showed more than a third of LGBT people still don’t feel confident in reporting such incidents to the police.
“'The sad reality for many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Scots is that that they face hate crime every day at home, in their communities and their workplaces,” he added.
“Today’s figures show that there has been lots done but there is still lots to do.”
Jan Savage, head of campaigns and policy at Enable Scotland said the rise in disability crime was concerning.
She added: “Ninety per cent of people who have a learning disability have been bullied at some point in their lives, and less than one in three people with a learning disability are able to name at least one close friend. This is unacceptable.”
Equalities secretary Shona Robison condemned all hate crime but insisted the government is working to tackle the problem.
She said by 2015 the government will have invested £60 million since 2012 to tackle inequality and discrimination.
“No one should have to face discrimination or prejudice in any form in 21st century Scotland,” she added.
“It is never acceptable and it will not be tolerated.
“We want people to come forward, and would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of hate crime to report it.
“We are not becoming more intolerant as a society, but we are becoming less tolerant of those who hold prejudiced beliefs.”
