New support service for LGBT+ victims of hate crime

LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crimes or hate speech are to be offered better support and guidance under a new Danish initiative backed by DKK 3.4 million in funding.

Assaults, verbal abuse and hateful messages online are among the experiences faced by LGBT+ people in Denmark.

As part of Denmark’s LGBT+ Action Plan for 2026-2029, a new DKK 3.4 million funding pool will finance a service providing counselling, support and guidance to LGBT+ people.

“Far too many LGBT+ people cannot hold their partner’s hand or be who they are and love who they love without fearing being assaulted, spat at or subjected to hateful comments, either on the street or online,” said Minister for Employment and Gender Equality Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen.

“We need to do more to help and support those who experience hate crimes. They need to feel that they are being taken seriously and are receiving the support they need – including when it comes to reporting their experiences.”

Support could be provided through in-person, telephone or online counselling as well as group sessions.

The service will also provide guidance on reporting hate crimes or hate speech to the police if victims wish to do so. It will advise people on how to report illegal online content, including content on major technology platforms, and refer them to other relevant support services.

The service is intended to be available to LGBT+ people throughout Denmark and will continuously collect information about the hate crimes experienced by people seeking counselling.

The government also plans to establish monitoring of hate crimes against LGBT+ people to gain more information about, among other things, those responsible for such offences.

In addition, a broader survey of attitudes will be conducted among groups including immigrants and their descendants to provide updated information about attitudes towards issues such as homosexuality and gender equality.

“We need more knowledge if we are to combat the problems that exist. And we need to dare to talk about them,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.

“I have always thought that we would become more and more tolerant with each generation. But I fear that trend is beginning to break down – particularly in Muslim communities.”