Number of homophobic and transphobic attacks in France on the rise

Homophobic attacks and insults in France rose by 36 per cent last year, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry on Saturday, prompting the government to talk of an “anchoring” of homophobia in the country.

The leap comes after 2018 was described as a “black” year by associations with an unequalled level of physical violence against LGBT people.

The new figures, which show a steady increase in offences, come on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and 30 years after the withdrawal of homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Last year, the police “identified 1,870 victims of homophobic or transphobic offences compared to 1,380 in 2018”, representing a “36 per cent increase in the number of victims of anti-LGBT acts”, the ministry said in a statement.

“These figures testify to the deep anchoring of homophobia and transphobia in society,” said the ministry, adding that they form part of a broader increase in “hate acts and identity extremism”.

Insults constitute 33 per cent of the offences, while violence (physical and sexual) make up 28 per cent of the complaints.

The victims are mainly men – 75 per cent – with 62 per cent perpetrated against those under 35 years of age.