HOME | ARCHIVE | EMAIL US | TRAVEL SECTION
 

EUROPE

Gay Euro Group Launches Guide on Homophobic, Transphobic Monitoring and Reporting
 

Click on image  to download
95-page handbook (PDF file)
 

■ Martin Christensen: “We are aware of only 11 countries in Europe with explicit reference to sexual orientation in their laws dealing with hate crime and violence.” photo: ILGA-Europe

BRUSSELS, September 10, 2008  –  ILGA-Europe has launched a handbook on monitoring and reporting homophobic and transphobic incidents.

The aim of this publication is to contribute to increased and better reporting of homophobic and transphobic incidents by providing tools and a methodology to document and report violence motivated by hatred against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in a systematic and factual manner.

This handbook is designed for LGBT and human rights organisations who intend to monitor the occurrence of homophobic and transphobic incidents and violence in order to advocate for legislative changes to increase legal protections from violence motivated by hatred towards LGBT people at national, European and international levels.

The lack of documented facts on homophobic and transphobic violence creates a significant barrier to taking a case against an aggressor and to advocate for legislation combating hate crimes against LGBT people. In turn, the lack of legislation specifically prohibiting violence motivated by hatred towards LGBT people, contributes to legitimising homophobic and transphobic violence and creating an environment of impunity for the individuals committing those hate crimes.

“We are aware of only 11 countries in Europe with explicit reference to sexual orientation in their laws dealing with hate crime and violence,” said Martin Christensen, co-chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board.

“This is definitely unacceptable considering the level of hate crimes against LGBT people committed across Europe.”

The eleven countries are: Andorra, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

“We hope that our handbook will provide useful practical advice and help to LGBT and other human rights organisations dealing with crimes motivated by hatred on how to document and monitor hate crimes against LGBT people,” Mr. Christensen continued.

“Only by compiling solid evidence and proof that attacks on LGBT people have a dangerous and systematic nature across Europe can we succeed in changing legislation to recognise homophobic and transphobic sentiments as aggravating factors to be taken into account when dealing with hate crimes and punishing the perpetrators.”

The handbook, in PDF format, can be downloaded HERE.

Seed Newsvine  

Got an opinion on this article?  Leave your comment here.