Overview

This bill amends the Criminal Damage Act 1971 to specifically criminalize the desecration of war memorials in England and Wales. It introduces new offenses and penalties for damaging or showing disrespect to these memorials.

Description

The Desecration of War Memorials Bill creates a new offense under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The bill defines "war memorial" broadly to include any object commemorating those involved in or affected by conflict, including civilians and animals. "Desecrates" is defined as acts of disrespect such as spitting, urination, or defecation.

New Offence and Penalties

The bill adds a new clause to the Criminal Damage Act 1971, making it a crime to destroy, damage, or desecrate a war memorial. Penalties include up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine on summary conviction, or up to ten years imprisonment and/or a fine on indictment.

Geographic Scope and Commencement

The Act applies to England and Wales and comes into force six months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The costs will primarily relate to enforcement and prosecution of any new offenses, which are difficult to quantify precisely without knowing the number of such offences.

Groups Affected

• Individuals: Individuals who damage or desecrate war memorials will face criminal prosecution and penalties.
• Law enforcement: Police forces will be responsible for enforcing the new law.
• Courts: Courts will handle prosecutions and sentencing under the new legislation.
• Veterans and their families: This group may experience both positive and negative impacts, potentially viewing the act as a means of protecting the memory of fallen soldiers, while others may criticize it as an unnecessary criminalization of acts of protest.
• Memorial owners and custodians: Those responsible for the upkeep and protection of war memorials will be indirectly affected.

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