Mr Spellar said the measures were overdue

Under the proposals, jail terms for criminal damage would go up from 10 to 14 years, and judges would take into account racial and religious factors when sentencing.

Criminal Justice minister John Spellar said the measures were overdue.

"I am putting forward plans to increase maximum sentences for certain offences, giving judges greater powers in sentencing where aggravation is proven," he said.

"This will give judges crucial powers to hand down sentences which fit the seriousness of the crime."

The new plans would require judges to take into account any racial, religious or sexual orientation factors when sentencing.

I am putting forward plans to increase maximum sentences for certain offences, giving judges greater powers in sentencing where aggravation is proven John Spellar Criminal justice minister

Sentencing powers where violent attacks are connected to so-called hate crimes would also increase.

The consultation paper has been published amid a major new attempt by the police to end the campaign of intimidation and violence directed against vulnerable communities in the province.

Attacks against ethnic minorities have risen by around 40% in the last year, with many families being forced to leave their homes in south Belfast.

Last week, the loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force said it has "stood down" its leader in the Village area after a spate of racist attacks in the area.

Mr Spellar said the new legislation would empower the courts to hand down stiffer sentences to offenders.

"I am putting forward plans to increase maximum sentences for certain offences, giving judges greater powers in sentencing where aggravation is proven," he said.

"This will give judges crucial powers to hand down sentences which fit the seriousness of the crime."

Anti-racism training

Homophobes and bigots also face longer prison sentences under the draft Criminal Justice (NI) Order.

Patrick Yu, head of the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities said the plans would be worthless unless those behind such attacks were caught

"We don't have confidence in the whole criminal justice system if no one is prosecuted.

"There are cases with strong evidence but the Director of Public Prosecution drops them without any reason.

"What we need to do is put more of these people in jail."

Even though he welcomed the government initiative, Mr Yu insisted it was only part of a solution.

"We also need the police to secure good evidence," he suggested.

"Not all police officers are sympathetic to the needs of ethnic minorities, so there needs to be more anti-racism training."