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CrimeGermany

Why are LGBTQ+ hate crimes surging in Germany?

11:18

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Marie Joslyn
May 17, 2026

Germany has among the strongest LGBTQ protections in Europe, yet hate crimes against queer people are rising. We spoke with Sebastian Roloff, the Social Democrats' deputy spokesperson for queer issues.

Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in Germany are rising despite some of Europe's strongest legal protections. MP Sebastian Roloff warns that a harsher political climate and the growing influence of the far right are fueling hostility, while key national action plans for queer rights stall. He says progress must be defended as verbal and physical attacks increase.

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