Europe needs more tolerance

In a commentary in the daily Helsingin Sanomat, Finnish Justice Minister Tuija Brax voices concern over the increasing lack of tolerance shown to homosexuals and other minorities in Europe. "Crimes committed out of hate seem to be very much on the rise in Europe. This is no coincidence but the result of many growing influences, be they religious, racist or extremist. ... Too many people live in fear of being attacked because of their skin colour, their religious beliefs or their sexual preferences. ... Many countries lack basic protection from crimes of hate - especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Homophobia is even used as a weapon in domestic politics. ... There is increasing cause for concern ... that sufficient heed is not being paid to homophobic offences across Europe. ... Discrimination and intolerance are not only a challenge for national authorities, ... but also [for institutions] at a European level. ... Politicians must not tolerate homophobia in silence. ... No country in Europe offers sufficient protection from crimes of hate. Even in Finland and Sweden, the country of Europride, there is room for improvement. It will be a long time ... before minorities ... dare to report on crimes committed against them and demand that their rights be defended."

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