HBT Hate Crime - Prosecuting Homophobic, Biphobic & Transphobic Hostility

Introduction

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) hate crime continues to rise, making accurate identification and robust application of the law essential for CPS decision‑making.

This webinar provides a clear and practical overview of the legal definitions, the meaning of hostility and how Section 66 Sentencing Act 2020 is applied in practice. It also explores the stepped approach to sentencing, appropriate and respectful language and how to support victims and witnesses in a trauma informed, identity affirming way that strengthens engagement and confidence.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Why accurate identification of HBT hate crime matters
• The impact on victims and communities and why correct categorisation and application of the law is critical to public confidence
• Clear definitions
• What the law means by sexual orientation and transgender identity and how these protected characteristics apply in CPS casework
• Understanding hostility
• How hostility is interpreted in law, the role of perception and evidence and how to apply the two limbs of demonstration and motivation
• Applying Section 66 Sentencing Act 2020
• How statutory aggravation operates and how to present evidence that supports an uplift
• Supporting victims and witnesses
• Trauma‑informed, identity‑affirming approaches that build trust, support participation and ensure victims feel heard and respected

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 6th November 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,400+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.