launch of a consultation asking whether there is a case for reforming the law so that existing hate crime offences apply in the same way to sexual orientation, transgender identity and disability as well as race and religion.

The terms Law Commission is considering:

(a) extending the aggravated offences in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to include where hostility is demonstrated towards people on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity;

(b) the case for extending the stirring up of hatred offences under the Public Order Act 1986 to include stirring up of hatred on the grounds of disability or gender identity.

The Commission will also examine the current sentencing regime and analyse the case for reforming the existing offences to bring greater coherence and protection. It asks:

• Do existing criminal offences provide adequate protection against the types of wrongdoing occurring against members of the protected groups?
• Do the Courts’ existing sentencing powers provide a sufficient response in all cases?
• Would extending the offences create uncertainty or have other unintended consequences?

The closing date for the consultation is 27 September 2013.

For more information on the consultation and how to respond go tohttp://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/consultations/hate_crime.htm