A new campaign and support initiative has been launched in Bath and North East Somerset in response to the worrying rise in religious and faith-based hate crimes nationally.

Across the UK, there has been a disturbing increase in hate crimes against people because of their religious beliefs.

Nathan Hartley, Director of the B&NES Faith Foundation, said: “religious or faith-based Hate Crimes have been increasing for the last 5 years. The 2010 Equality Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of religion or belief, or because of a lack of religion or belief. To coincide with Interfaith Week, which runs from 14th - 20th November, the Faith Foundation is launching a new advice service that will provide help and support to those who have experienced abuse due to their religious beliefs, but need additional support when reporting it to the police and other authorities. No one should have to suffer from Hate for their beliefs, every person has the right to believe in any faith or no faith.”

In 2020/2021, the Home Office’s Annual Hate Crime Statistics show there were 5,627 religious or other faith-based Hate Crimes across the UK. From this figure, 45% of religious Hate Crimes recorded by the police were against Muslims, 22% were Anti-Semitic in nature, 9% were anti-Christian with 16% of offences being recorded as “unknown”.

Most incidents reported to police include verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment and offensive language. The police have recorded 50% of hate crimes as public order offences (causing fear, alarm or distress) and a further third (36%) were crimes of violence committed against individuals.

“Everyone and anyone should have the freedom to follow or subscribe to any religious tradition they like, or none at all!”, added Nathan, “we hope our new support service will go a long way to help those who need that extra helping hand when reporting a Hate Crime to the police.”

For more details, residents can contact the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation by emailing [email protected]