VANCOUVER – As Vancouver residents prepare for a weekend of Pride festivities, community members joined New Democrat MLAs to call on the B.C. Liberal government to take action to combat homophobia.Spencer Herbert

“Residents of Vancouver are accepting and open-minded, and the community is rightfully ashamed that the city has been labelled the ‘hate-crime capital’ of Canada. We have a wonderfully diverse community, and it’s time that the provincial government took concrete steps to reflect the pride we feel in our neighbourhoods,” said Vancouver-West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, who put forward five action items.Mike Farnworth

A recent Statistics Canada study found that in Vancouver there were 34 hate crimes committed in 2008 based on a victim's sexual orientation. This is the worst gay-bashing record among major Canadian cities.

“Intolerance and violence have no place in our society. The provincial government must provide leadership to ensure that people from all walks of life feel safe in our communities,” said New Democrat public safety critic Mike Farnworth.

The New Democrats’ call for action includes:

1. Promoting acceptance and celebration of diversity, including making sure that every School District is supported and encouraged to implement clear anti-homophobia policies.
2. Ensuring that Crown Prosecutors are aware of and use the legal hate crime provision where warranted.
3. Creating a province-wide tips line to report cases of gay bashing.
4. Investing in a Victim Services/Community Safety worker to support victims of discrimination.
5. Working with the City of Vancouver to get more police officers on the beat in the Davie Village during the summer.

The Carole James New Democrats are working with British Columbians from all walks of life, all corners of B.C., and all sectors of our economy to build a better British Columbia for the people of this province.

Mike Farnworth

Port Coquitlam

Mike Farnworth was elected as MLA for Port Coquitlam on May 12, 2009.

Spencer Chandra Herbert

Vancouver-West End

Spencer Chandra Herbert was elected MLA for Vancouver-West End on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Vancouver – Burrard from Oct.