Hate crimes have police priority during the Outgames, but the festival’s organiser underscores attacks are rare

Police in Copenhagen are investigating an attack on three homosexual men that took place on Friday evening as a possible hate crime.

Two men, aged 28 and 33, were taken into custody after witnesses say they heard them yell ‘homo pig’ at the three, and attacked them as they returned from the opening ceremony of the World Outgames on Town Hall Square.

The three, who come from England, Sweden and Norway and are attending the nine-day event, were treated at hospital for injuries but have since been released.

The two suspects will be remanded in custody for the remainder of the nine day World Outgames event.

Henrik Vedel of the Copenhagen Police said the two attackers, who both have criminal records, are believed to have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time. The suspects said they could remember nothing about the incident.

In order to be considered a hate crime, it must be proven that a person was motivated by sexual orientation, religion or race. Hate crimes are considered aggravating circumstances and can result in longer jail terms.

The police have been working closely with Outgames organisers to prevent hate crimes during the nine-day event focusing on homosexual human rights. As part of its strategy, stations in the city were issued guidelines about how to handle hate crimes.

Uffe Elbæk, director of the Copenhagen World Outgames, praised the police for an ‘exemplary’ response.
He called the attack an isolated incident, but said it was ‘an example of what homosexuals around the world risk if they are exposed, and it shows why an event such as World Outgames is necessary’.

According to police and World Outgames organisers, hate crimes against homosexuals are often committed by men under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and perpetrators are not restricted to any one social group.