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2nd When Law and Hate Collide Pan-European Hate Crime Symposium
Those who “nip-tip” Asian anglers guilty on both sides of the border
In 2007, Chinese language media in Ontario began coverage about an interesting phenomenon: in and around popular Lake Simcoe fishing spots, reports of incidents where anglers of Asian decent were targeted for assault. Most commonly, Asian anglers or their equipment were thrown into the water. An inquiry by the Ontario Human Rights Commission found evidence of racial harassment that ranged from the use of racial slurs to stone-throwing.
Coverage of the issue increased when at the end of one incident, a car accident left a young man in a coma. Today, the defendant charged in that Sept. 16, 2007 incident was found guilty of assault and criminal negligence.
Toronto Star
Aspiring law student possible victim of a hate crime?
In the early hours of October 18, an openly gay man named Christopher Skinner was brutally murdered. After reportedly being attacked by a group of young men, he was run over by an SUV and left to die.
Friends with Christopher the night he was murdered believe that he was targeted as a result of his sexuality. At this time, police say they have no evidence to support that theory. Evidence is still being combed at this point.
It has been reported that Christopher had recently written the LSAT and had plans to attend law school.
EDGE Boston notes that, “But the ferocity of the assault is consistent with the ‘overkill’ that is often part of anti-gay bias crimes.”
In the UK, a new report points to a rise in anti-gay attacks in London.
This tragic murder of Christopher Skinner comes on the heels of recently reported gay-bashings in the province, in London and Thunder Bay.
Hate crimes laws have often proved controversial. Currently, U.S. lawmakers, politicians, and others are awaiting a Senate decision on a bill that would extend hate crime protections to gay individuals.
Italy has recently voted down similar legislation.
