New Data Shows Spike in Hate Crimes Targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities

Statistics Canada’s recently released data on police-reported hate crimes reveals a significant increase in hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation. These crimes increased by 69% in 2023, up from 3% in 2020, 70% in 2021 and 16% in 2022. Based on this data, this is an increase of 225% in the past five years (2019-2023). 

Hate crimes and incidences targeting The United Church of Canada-Affirming communities are also on the rise. Motivated by intersecting prejudices—including religious-induced homophobia, biphobia and transphobia—reported incidents are occurring in many forms including vandalism, assault, harassment, or abuse, and are happening both online and in person. A number of United Church-Affirming ministries have also reported receiving hate mail. The United Church of Canada congregations and communities of faith are encouraged to report incidents of 2SLGBTQIA+ hate whenever they occur. 

Victims or witnesses of hate crime or incidences can take some steps as we work together to create a safer and more welcoming church and society for all people.

• Get medical help, if necessary. 
• Write down any of the details of the crime as soon as possible after the incident and include details of the perpetrator(s), including gender, age, height, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If any threats or biased comments were made (such as anti-gay epithets), include them in the report.
• File a police report. While not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, it is equally important that these are reported and recorded by the police. If you believe the incident was bias-motivated, urge the officer to check the “hate/bias-motivation” or “hate crime/incident” box on the police report. You can also request the officer’s name and badge number for any follow-up. 
• Notify your church minister or Regional Council staff about the incident. Find support as needed with friends and family, or professional help from a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirmative professional.
• If mail received by post is suspected to be hate correspondence, without opening it, you can report it as suspicious to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using their online form if it has come from outside of Canada.  Select: “Check this box if this is an update to an existing tip,” enter this unique reference number: BL1706905520630, and proceed with the report.
• If you do open the mail, do not insert any USB keys into any of your devices and be aware that the letters may contain disturbing messages targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. Report it to the CBSA.