Gay Hate Crimes Double in Canada

The number of crimes motivated by sexual orientation in Canada more than doubled from 2007 to 2008, according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada.

Crimes against gays increased from 71 incidents in 2007 to 159 in 2008. Also disturbing is that in 75% of those instances, hate crimes were described as violent, involving assault or the uttering of threats. According to the LGBT human rights organization Egale Canada, an estimated 75% of hate crimes against LGBT people go unreported.

In response to the report, Egale Canada executive director Helen Kennedy called for improved diversity education in Canada's schools.