http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/newsfeed/2008/01/16/we-ll-make-gay-hate-a-thing-of-the-past-86908-20287105/

"We'll Make Gay Hate A Thing Of The Past

Jan 16 2008 By Magnus Gardham

Tough New Laws Aim To Stamp Out Violent Attacks

THUGS who attack gay or disabled people could be hammered by the courts under new laws.

Assaults will be treated as "hate crimes" - like racist attacks - from next year, if backed by Holyrood There are no set extra penalties - but courts will look at aggravating factors when passing sentence.

However, critics say some victims could be "more equal than others" when attacks on gays or disabled people are punished more harshly than those on heterosexuals. "