Hate and Bias Crimes
The Policing Standards of Ontario define Hate/Bias crime as “a criminal offence committed against a person or property which is motivated solely, or in part, by the suspect’s Hate/Bias against a person’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability group, age or gender.”
In the Criminal Code of Canada, Hate Crimes are separated into two distinct categories:
- Hate / Bias – any criminal offence where there is evidence to support that hate or bias were a motivation for the crime.
- Hate Propoganda – such as advocating genocide; public incitement of hatred or willful promotion of hatred. In cases of Public Incitement of Hatred, there are four main elements: a person communicates a statement; in a public place; incites hatred against an identifiable group; in such a way that there will likely be a breach of the peace.
These offences target a person or persons from an “identifiable group” [section 318 (4) of the Criminal Code] with the criminal offence being motivated by” bias, prejudice or hate, based on the victim’s race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other similar factor.” Hamilton Police Services Board Report of 2012 April 16.
The Hamilton Police Service, along with most other police services, have a Hate Crime Unit, which actively investigates hate/bias motivated and brings perpetrators to justice.
Hamilton Police Services has published several Fact Sheets and Statistical Reports.
Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report 2010
Information for Victims of Crime
The RCMP publishes course materials for schools to help students combat hate crimes.
To report hate crimes, contact your local police department or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
You can also Submit a Tip on this website by clicking on the link at the top of the page.
