Demand for Countermeasures Against Hate Crimes Against the LGBTIQ+ Community
In the spring, the National Council voted with a large majority to develop a National Action Plan against hate crimes to prevent crimes motivated by prejudice. Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl, managing director of Stonewall GmbH and organizer of Vienna Pride, on Thursday called for the intensive involvement of the community in this process on behalf of over 30 associations from the LGBTIQ+ community.
LGBTIQ+ Community Calls for Reporting Center Against Hate Crimes
Measures needed include training for the police and judiciary, where those affected by violence still encounter prejudice or a lack of sensitivity regarding their sexual orientation. Additionally, Kacerovsky-Strobl emphatically demanded the establishment and permanent funding of a reporting center rooted in the LGBTIQ+ community, where homophobic and transphobic acts of violence can be reported. Such a center would "enjoy the trust of those affected," who may have had bad experiences with the police and therefore hesitate to report at a police station, Kacerovsky-Strobl said at a press conference of the SoHo (Socialism & Homosexuality) initiative in Parliament.
High Number of Unreported Hate Crimes Against LGBTIQ+ Community
The cases listed in the Hate Crime Report are "unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg," said Mario Lindner, SPÖ spokesperson for equality, diversity, and LGBTIQ+. The number of unreported cases is "ten times higher." Out of shame, many assaults are not reported: "The shame must change sides." These are "not isolated cases, but a system." Right-wing extremist groups and the FPÖ have "deliberately chosen the LGBTIQ+ community as a target to attack." Lindner and Kacerovsky-Strobl agreed that digital hate is often the first step towards violence. Therefore, clear legal requirements are needed to hold platforms accountable for spreading hate online, emphasized Kacerovsky-Strobl.
(APA/Red)
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