Hate crimes against LGBTI people are on the rise in Germany. Homophobic attacks and politically motivated violence reported to police increased 36% last year. Of more concern is that the numbers show an upward trend in recent years. But what is behind this trend and is the LGBTI community being targeted specifically?

The Lesbian and Gay Association is a civil rights association for Germany’s LGBTI community. They have been watching this trend with alarm and is calling on Germany’s Federal Government to set up a commission to shine a light onto this increasing problem. Sarah Ponti is their Policy Officer, and she joins us from Germany.