What legal status does causing harassment, alarm or distress to someone due to their religion or ethnic origin hold?

The UK places a strong emphasis on equality and protecting individuals from discrimination. Over time, laws have been enacted to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. This is rooted in the principles of fairness and social cohesion. Causing harassment, alarm, or distress to someone because of their religion or ethnic origin isn't just a matter of being impolite; it's a criminal offence. This means it's against the law and can lead to prosecution. The UK's legal system takes such actions seriously because they undermine the fabric of society and can incite hatred or violence. While respecting others is certainly a responsibility, the law goes further than simply expecting good behaviour. It actively prohibits actions that target individuals based on their religion or ethnicity, making it a criminal matter.