A former judge who led an independent review of hate crime legislation said he was "greatly disappointed" that new laws to tackle hate crime in Northern Ireland have taken so long to reach Stormont, as the number of racially motivated attacks has risen to a record level, police figures show.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said she will bring forward legislation in the coming weeks that will implement some of the "most impactful" recommendations from Desmond Marrinan's 2020 review, including provisions for enhanced sentences where a hate motivation to offending is proven.
Marrinan, who produced a report that made 34 recommendations to strengthen hate crime law, told BBC News NI he was "shocked and horrified" by recent incidents, which have included rioting linked to immigration protests and confrontations by street gangs with people from ethnic minority backgrounds. He said those trends were already apparent when he conducted the Department of Justice-commissioned review five years ago.
"I am greatly disappointed at the time it has taken," Marrinan said, while acknowledging that the collapse of Northern Ireland's devolved institutions and the subsequent two-year suspension of Stormont governance between 2022 and 2024 disrupted the legislative process. He also noted the time needed for public consultations and drafting by legislative counsel.
Long said the measures to be tabled in the Assembly will focus on the recommendations judged likely to have the greatest practical effect, emphasizing strengthened sentencing where a hate motivation is established. The minister did not immediately publish a full timetable for introduction or provide details of every measure that will be included.
Police figures cited by authorities show an increase in racially motivated attacks to a record level, a development Marrinan and others have linked to a wider rise in hate-driven incidents across communities. Advocates for tougher hate crime laws have argued that clearer statutory protections and stiffer penalties would both deter offending and provide greater reassurance to targeted communities.
Marrinan said that although the legislative delay was unfortunate, action now "will send a powerful message" and he expected it to have a "profound impact". He added that legal change should be accompanied by education and community work to address underlying attitudes and prevent further escalation.
The Department of Justice has previously said it consulted widely on Marrinan's proposals and would prioritise changes that could be implemented most effectively. The coming legislation is expected to be the first step in a phased response to the review, with further measures subject to parliamentary scrutiny and possible additional consultation.
Campaigners and community leaders have welcomed the prospect of new laws but cautioned that effective enforcement and resources for policing and victim support would be essential to ensure the changes translate into reduced harm. Lawmakers in the Assembly will have the opportunity to debate the measures once they are tabled, and any approved changes will enter a statutory process before becoming law.