The number of hate crimes reported by the LGBT+ helpline rose 50% in 2021. Concerns are high levels of underreporting are renewing calls for a nationwide reporting system for hate crimes. There were 92 reports of anti-LGBTQ hate crimes in 2021 according to the latest hate crime report released on Tuesday by the lesbian organization Switzerland (LOS), the Transgender Network Switzerland (TGNS) and Pink Cross. This is 50% more than the previous year. Nearly half of the reported cases are from the four months ahead of the Marriage for All referendum campaign. Last September, nearly two-third of Swiss voted in favour of granting full marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples. The rise in hate crimes during the lead up to the vote can be explained in part by the higher visibility of LGBTQ groups and supporters. About 80% of those reporting had been insulted or verbally abused, and about 30% had experienced physical violence. The latter is an increase on 2020 when 18% of cases...
