Last week, Greek lawmakers voted to include gender identity among the grounds covered by its hate speech law. Persons found guilty may face up to three years imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to €20 000. Sexual orientation was already among the grounds included.

Results of an EU-Wide survey show that 74% of Greek transgender people report hate speech towards LGBT people is widespread in Greece.

The same day, Greek Parliament voted to increase sentences for those found guilty of a hate crime. In case of hate crime, fines will be doubled and prison sentences may be extended up to three additional years.

Greek hate crime law already included bias-motivated crime against Lesbian and Gay people.

Vice-President designate of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, MEP Dennis de Jong, said:

“I applaud the completion of Greek provisions against the incitement of hatred. The adopted measures show that the Greek government and parliament are serious about addressing hate speech and hate crime against LGBT people.”

“Laws are not sufficient, however. Too often perpetrators of attacks against transgender people have escaped penalties, not the least because police prefers to look away. But if accompanied by an awareness raising strategy targeting the LGBT community as well as law enforcement personnel, this will mean a big step forward for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.”