radical and different'' and requires the support of everyone if it is to work.

Human Affairs and Information Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill made these comments yesterday in response to criticism of the Criminal Code Amendment Act 1995 that he tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Ms Renee Webb, Shadow Minister for Human Affairs, criticised the bill -- which would seek to make an act of racial harassment or intimidation illegal and subject the perpetrator to a $5,000 fine or 12 month prison sentence -- as "wishy-washy''.

She said it was nothing more than a watered down version of his original intention because it failed to address institutionalised racism.

"It is most unfortunate,'' he said. "But Ms Webb obviously didn't do any research before she commented on this proposal.

Mr. Dill said the proposed amendments to the criminal code in concert with recent changes to the Human Rights Act will produce a legal framework that is forceful and punitive when it comes to dealing with racist acts.

"In the United Kingdom they tried last year to produce a piece of legislation which did not even go as far as the legislation I produced on Friday.

"It was defeated on the basis that it was too far-reaching to be contemplated in the United Kingdom.

"The Labour Party was displeased because they believed that legislation was exactly what was needed.

"Yet we have Ms Webb complaining that this is a watered down, wishy-washy version. But this is very specific.'' Mr. Dill said the amendment created two new criminal offences. Acts of racial intimidation and harassment will be investigated just as any other crime.

As an example, Mr. Dill said an individual motivated by racism who is convicted of assaulting another person could be charged with two offences; the assault and the racial intimidation.

Such an individual could be imprisoned or fined on either charge. The Attorney General's chambers will deal with all prosecutions and work alongside the Police.

Mr. Dill said it was important to address the issue of acts induced by racist perceptions because there were cases of people harassed because of the people with whom they associate.

This means for example, that a white person subjected to threats or intimidation by other whites because he/she has many black friends, could seek and get redress in the courts if the case was proved.

"The more you get into this,'' Mr. Dill continued, "you can see this is far reaching, ground breaking legislation.'' However, Mr. Dill said he did not expect anyone would be prosecuted for uttering a racial joke.

"This is the kind of legislation the Opposition has wanted for a long time.

But once Government decided to make racism a crime, the next step is to put it into legislative effect.

"The whole reason why I brought this bill just before the summer is because I want to generate discussion throughout the community.

"This represents a desire to hold each of us to a far higher standard when it comes to recognising that we are our brother's keeper.'' Mr. Dill said the amendments to the criminal code complements the earlier legislative changes to the Human Rights Act which has to power to fine a business $25,000 for a first conviction of racial discrimination.

"This is the kind of legislation that is tougher than most places in the world because it needs to be. We are a far smaller place and we are in each other's face.

"You might be able to attack this piece of legislation on any number of fronts. But you most certainly cannot attack it for being weak.''