Hate and violence against queer people are not an abstract threat. They are a reality in Austria as well.
An attack was recently carried out against Christopher Street Day in Berlin. In Austria, so-called “pedo-hunters” deliberately lure gay men into traps to humiliate and abuse them. And in Lower Austria, a young man was killed by an 18-year-old. According to media reports, there are indications that homophobia may have played a role in the crime.
These cases represent a trend that can no longer be ignored: Queer people are being threatened, attacked, and targeted by hate.
Where are the policymakers?
The federal government must finally take decisive action. A National Action Plan against Hate Crime (NAP) is enshrined in the government’s platform. But a plan on paper protects no one. What matters is that concrete measures follow from it and that these are consistently implemented.
As early as May 2025, 30 queer organizations from across Austria jointly formulated concrete demands from the community. We demand effective measures against hate crimes and a swift and consistent implementation of the National Action Plan against Hate Crime.
This is about more than political declarations of intent. It is about ensuring that queer people in Austria can live without fear of hate, violence, and persecution. Protection against hate and violence must not remain a mere declaration of intent. Action is needed now!
You can find the joint statement by the queer organizations at www.homo.at/nap.
