Attacks Against Metal, Emo, Punk, Or Goth Fans To Be Treated As Hate Crimes
Thursday, 04 April 2013
Written by Elliott Batte
Attacks against cliques of music fans - such as those who involve themselves with the metal, emo, punk, or goth scene - are to be treated as hate crimes by police in Manchester, according to new reports.
The decision comes following the highly-publicised murder of Sophie Lancaster in 2007 - she was savagely beaten to death whilst with her boyfriend Robert Maltby, simply because her attackers didn’t like her goth sense of style.
A campaign by the Sophie Lancaster Foundation - which was set up following her tragic death - has now led to the Manchester police adding these kinds of targeted attacks to their list of hate crimes.
Gary Shewan, Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, has said of the decision: “People who wish to express their alternative subculture identity should not have to tolerate hate crime.”
Sophie’s mother Sylvia Lancaster has also commented, saying: “It’s a validation of the work we have undertaken in the past five years. Hopefully other forces will follow.”
We at Stereoboard think this is a step in the right direction. We’re sure some of our readers themselves may have encountered some kind abuse for their taste in music or fashion - if you have any stories, post them in the comment box below.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
