UK Greater Manchester Police are to become the first force in the country to take further steps to protect people who identify themselves within a subculture from abuse.

The force will start to treat offences against Punks, emos and goths in the same way they currently do for attacks based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender.

All these subcultures are heavily influenced by music of varying styles. Many types of rock music form the basis of living in an alternative culture. Punks and emos follow music in a similar way, however their favorite style may vary. Some of these subcultures date back to the early 80's and are still a big scene today.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "People who wish to express their alternative sub-culture identity freely should not have to tolerate hate crime."

The changes will allow officers to provide more support for the victims of hate crimes although they won’t be recognised nationally and will not necessarily lead to tougher sentencing.

This may be so but it is a small victory for campaigners acting as part of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. The foundation was set up by Sylvia Lancaster, the mother of Sophie who was murdered in Manchester simply for dressing as a Goth.

In speaking about the attack, Garry Shewan added: "Sophie’s tragic death brought forward a need to recognise that there are many other victims of hate crime that should be protected by law. While we have worked with the foundation for some time, I am proud to say we are now the first force in the country to officially record alternative sub-culture as a sixth strand of hate crime motivation. Hate crime ruins many people’s lives and in some cases can tragically cost lives."

Sylvia Lancaster spoke of her joy of the decision, saying: "It is a very proud day for me personally and the rest of the team...It is a validation of the work we have undertaken in the past five years and hopefully other forces will follow [Greater Manchester Police’s] lead. A big thank you to Greater Manchester Police and all our supporters."

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