Two youths convicted of hate crime for assaulting women over sexuality in Denmark

A court in Horsens, Denmark, has convicted an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy of a hate crime for assaulting two women in January. The court ruled that the attack was motivated, in whole or in part, by the women's sexual orientation.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 17th near the Horsens train station. The two women were subjected to homophobic slurs before being struck multiple times with a baton and pepper-sprayed. The 18-year-old was also convicted of assaulting a man in Horsens on January 4th.

The 18-year-old received a sentence of one year and three months in prison and was expelled from Denmark with a six-year entry ban. The 17-year-old was sentenced to ten months in prison. The court's decision underscores that individuals should not face discrimination or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The trial also addressed a separate assault involving a knife threat against a man in Vitus Beringsparken on January 2nd. The 18-year-old and a third 18-year-old were convicted for this incident. The third individual received a three-month sentence and a warning against expulsion, which he accepted. The two other defendants are considering whether to appeal their sentences.

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Dommen i dag understreger blandt andet, at man som borger ikke skal diskrimineres eller udsættes for vold på baggrund af sin seksuelle orientering, kønsidentitet, kønsudtryk eller lignende.