Overview

This bill amends the Football Offences Act 1991 to broaden the definition of offences related to indecent or racist chanting and gestures at football matches. It expands the scope to include offences related to sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and other protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Description

The bill primarily amends Section 3 of the Football Offences Act 1991. Key changes include:

• Broadened Definition of Offences: The Act's definition of "indecent or racist chanting" is expanded to include "gesturing," and the term "racialist" is updated to "racist".
• Inclusion of Protected Characteristics: The amended section now explicitly covers behaviour that is threatening, abusive, or insulting because of a person's sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or any other protected characteristic listed in the Equality Act 2010.
• Clarification of Terminology: The bill provides definitions for "gesturing" and "indecent," clarifying the scope of the amended offence.

The bill applies to England and Wales and comes into force two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The main cost implications would relate to potential enforcement and prosecution of new offences, but no figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The bill may affect several groups:

• Football Clubs: Increased responsibility for preventing and addressing offensive behaviour among fans.
• Football Fans: Those engaging in prohibited chanting or gesturing face prosecution under the amended law.
• Law Enforcement: Increased workload in investigating and prosecuting offences under the expanded definition.
• LGBTQ+ individuals and other protected groups: Enhanced legal protection against abuse and harassment at football matches.

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