Petition

 As most of you will be aware 2 young goths were recently attacked, one of whom died: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6962612.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6991696.stm
It has become apparent that there is a gap in the law regarding the way in which the offenders can be charged and so a petition has been started:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/goth-hatecrimes/


"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Widen the definition of 'Hate Crime', to include crimes committed against a person or persons, on the basis of their appearance or subcultural interests""In remembering the case of a Lancashire couple, who received an horrific beating, for the way they were dressed and, in which an innocent young woman lost her life, the Alternative & Gothic community puts forward that the definition of hate crimes should expand to protect subcultural people where the law is concerned. Most Gothic/subcultural people regularly complain of being harassed, abused, spat on or attacked for the way they look, having done or said nothing to otherwise provoke this. People who prefer ‘darker’ fashions; who sport facial piercings, alternative make-up or dyed hair regularly experience being singled out on these grounds, by the less tolerant. When this escalates to physical attack and, in this instance, death of an innocent person, it is clearly unacceptable.According to the home office, the definitions of ‘Hate Crime’ include race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. We feel this list should also include: “On the basis of personal appearance or subculture”." 

Jon knew the couple and is still horrified and shocked by this...