Yesterday, Statistics Canada released new data on police-reported hate-motivated crime in Canada.
Dismayed but Unsurprised - Queer Momentum reacts to 69% increase in hate-motivated crimes targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ people
Dismayed but Unsurprised - Queer Momentum reacts to 69% increase in hate-motivated crimes targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ people
The data included a 69% increase in crimes that target individuals because of their sexual orientation. Such crimes have been on the rise since 2021, with an increase of 70% in 2021, 16% in 2022, and now 69% in 2023.
“The ongoing increase in hate crimes targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ people is unsurprising, given the rise of hateful rhetoric and misinformation,” said Fae Johnstone, Executive Director of Queer Momentum. “Let me be clear: responsibility for this rise rests squarely on far-right groups, and conservative politicians like Pierre Poilievre, Scott Moe, and Danielle Smith who are using misleading slogans and stereotypes to turn people against their 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours."
“We call on politicians across all parties to unequivocally denounce anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and reaffirm their commitment to an inclusive and equitable Canada - for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and diverse communities of all kinds” said Dennis Stuebing, Vice-President of Queer Momentum. “We deserve elected officials who bring communities together, rather than sow division and normalize hatred”.