The minimum sentence for the hate murder of transgender and disabled people has been doubled to 30 years.
Offenders will now incur at least twice the previous minimum sentence of 15 years if they are found guilty of murdering a transgender or disabled person out of hate.
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said the move would help to tackle "abhorrent" hate crimes that "leave sections of society living in fear and at risk of unprovoked violence".
He said: "These proposals make clear offenders should be in no doubt that they face a more severe sentence for these unacceptable crimes."
The change brings sentencing for cases involving transgender and disabled victims in line with those in which race, religion or sexual orientation is an aggravating factor.
The move comes as Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone announced a strategy to promote trans-equality, saying that the government were committed to delivering "for the trans community".
Featherstone said: "This is a plan that has been developed with the trans community who face a whole raft of issues around employment and hate crime that most people know nothing about."
She added: "Like everyone else, transgender people have the right to be accepted, to live their lives free of harassment, and to be free to achieve any ambition they choose."
April Ashley, who became the first British person to receive sexual reassignment surgery in 1960, told the Guardian: "I think there are so many support groups out there unlike when I did my transition 51 years ago when there was no help at all. Today's announcement shows we are moving forward to breaking down barriers and educating people."