22 November 2007

AMSTERDAM – The municipality of Amsterdam is launching an investigation into the perpetrators of crime against homosexuals. At the moment little is known about why "gay bashers" attack homosexuals, the municipality said on Thursday.

Further investigation should clarify whether perpetrators themselves are struggling with their sexuality or if it is adolescent aggression.

From the little information on perpetrators that the police have, it turns out that most are young men under the age of 25. There were 26 incidents of gay bashing in Amsterdam in the first seven months of this year, involving 26 perpetrators. Half of this number are of Moroccan background.

The University of Amsterdam will conduct the study, which should be completed by June 2008. The police in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam office for reporting discrimination will be helping with the investigation.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news