Hate crime and harassment
Your rights in law
The principal areas of UK law relating to harassment are:
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Under this law, it is unlawful for employers or people providing goods and services and in some other circumstances, to discriminate against someone due to their gender or sexuality. Discrimination also covers harassment on the grounds of gender or sexuality.
The Race Relations Act 1976
As amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, this Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on grounds of race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin. The amended Act also imposes general duties on many public authorities to promote racial equality.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995
This act makes it unlawful for employers, service providers and certain other categories of people or institutions to discriminate against you, without justification, because of your disability.
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
This is the main law dealing with stalking. The Act provides a definition of harassment, making it illegal and outlining some of the civil law remedies that may be possible.
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998
This act created new offences such as 'racially aggravated offences' that can carry higher penalties. The Act also provided guidance on how the police record incidents so that any racist motivation would be recorded.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
This act makes it an offence to intentionally cause another person harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
Criminal Law of Assault
This may be appropriate if the harassment is physical.
Click on the following links for more information on the legal measures outlined above.
Equality and human rights commission
Know your rights website
