Homophobia to be punished more severely

Homophobic acts committed in Belgium are to be punished with heavier sentences, reports La Libre Belgique. Homophobia is currently considered an aggravating circumstance in cases of homicide or grievous bodily harm, and the government has decided to bring sentencing in line with the aggravating factor of homophobic crimes. For example, sentences of 20 to 30 years will automatically become life sentences, and the government has decided to add sexual orientation to the existing list of motives for discriminatory crime, which already includes race, religion and language.