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# Madrid holds protest after wave of hate crimes
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/madrid-holds-protest-after-wave-of-hate-crimes/
- Published: 2021-09-14T11:12:01.000Z
- Updated: 2021-09-14T09:57:23.000Z
- Description: Hundreds of marchers gathered in central Madrid on September 11 to protest the rising number of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Spain.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Queer Corner, Hate Crime, Homophobia, LGBTQ, Madrid, Spain

Hundreds of marchers gathered in central Madrid on September 11 to protest the rising number of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Spain, with attendees being seen holding rainbow flags and banners that said ‘justice’. Speaking to [*Reuters*](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hundreds-protest-against-rise-homophobic-attacks-madrid-2021-09-11/?taid=613daa288673f2000160ad80&utm%5Fcampaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm%5Fmedium=trueAnthem&utm%5Fsource=twitter), protestor Gabriel Escribano said the march was organised to make a statement against the *“continuous homophobic attacks and the constant aggressions”* that are happening in the region.

They continued: *“We believe we have to say: enough is enough.”* Prime minister Pedro Sanchez recently held an urgent meeting of leaders to address the issue, but protestors demanded that the government do more to protect Spain’s LGBTQ+ community. Confirming the rise in hate crimes, a [2020 report](https://data.europa.eu/data/datasets/eu-lgbti-ii-survey-experiences-and-views-of-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-intersex-lgbti-individuals?locale=en&ref=scenemag.co.uk) by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights found 41% of queer Spaniards have experienced harassment in the past year.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/madrid-lgbt-protest-600-400.jpg)

Photo: Reuters

An additional 16% of queer people said they avoid holding hands with their partner in public through fear of being assaulted, threatened or harassed. Overall, 23% of LGBTQ+ Spaniards said they were not open about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in their daily life due to fears of discrimination. This year alone has seen numerous [hate crimes](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57300640?ref=scenemag.co.uk), with Spain’s Observatory Against Homophobia issuing a warning over the situation.