Violence against gays a problem in Amsterdam

[foxfeet]

Source: MSNBC

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Amsterdam faces an ingrained problem of violence against gay men, despite its reputation as a haven of tolerance, according to a study released Thursday.

Town councilman Freek Ossel said the University of Amsterdam study, commissioned by the city, said the Dutch capital must improve protection of gays, increase education, and encourage reporting of discriminatory incidents.

"Amsterdam's title as a gay capital, according to some people, has already been gone for years, and according to others in any case it's at stake," he said.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27828610/

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Even there LGBTs face violence. The study attributes the attacks to "poorly educated young men who feel their masculinty is questioned," and notes that they tend to see gay men as "predatory" when unwanted advances are made. If that were a justification for violence there wouldn't be a straight man alive who didn't bear physical scars from angry women. Whatever happened to "No?"

Edit: Spelling--for some reason, Spellcheck seized up.

[nxylas]

1. In Amsterdam?

Is nothing sacred?

[foxfeet]

2. Not in Amsterdam!

[MrScorpio]

3. I'm truly shocked

Really, I am

[Turbineguy]

4. Amsterdam has a problem with violence

against anybody.

Proceed with caution.

[SpookyCat]

5. I'm very surprised by that, and disappointed.

I love Amsterdam and have always found it such a friendly and accepting place. But I guess "poorly educated young men who feel their masculinity is questioned," are everywhere. Sad.

[denem]

6. 'Dutch males of Moroccan descent' responsibe for more than a third of the violence

as are street gangs aged 17 - 25 years.

http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article1096312.ece/Homogeweld_wel_vaak_Marokkanen&usg=ALkJrhjsMkgnE8OiYZjiGrz2qsjbV_FxLQ

[chusmeria]

7. Ahh yes...

the success of hate crime legislation. Hasn't done much to help religious minorities, either. gg thought police.

[Bluebear]

9. Brilliant.

:eyes:

[MrSlayer]

8. I always find it amusing when gay men hit on me.

I don't feel threatened or get mad, I find it flattering and funny. Does the fact that I don't kick the shit out of people who find me attractive make me less of a man? I don't get that whole mentality.