Greater Manchester Police has started to register hate crimes against alternative subcultures, such as goth, punk and emo. It is the first police force in the UK to do so.
Previously hate crimes were only registered on offences against religion, race, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity.
The change comes in light of the murder of 20-year-old goth, Sophie Lancaster who was beaten to death in 2007. She was targeted in Bacup, Lancashire because of her gothic style of dress.
After her death the SOPHIE foundation was set up to combat this type of discrimination. The charity has been working with Greater Manchester Police since it was formed, and this change in legislation is a major step forward.
Many people want the changes to be rolled out across the rest of the UK in the near future.
More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-22018888
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/apr/03/manchester-police-goths-punks-hate-crime
Highlighting the dark side of music.