Editorial: HATE CRIME

Attack on gay man is attack on all

Feb. 28, 2004. 12:52 AM

Evelyn Myrie
The Hamilton Spectator

Evelyn Myrie lives in Hamilton and is a social development consultant. She is a former head of Hamilton's status of women subcommittee

The savage attack on Hamilton restaurant owner Ronn Mattai has left much of this community in total shock. Reports of the attack angered many who know Mattai as a caring man who donates much of his time to charitable community projects.

We have all heard stories over the years of gay bashing, but few as heinous as this one that occurred Saturday night. Hamilton police say the attack "is the worst hate-biased crime they can remember."

For years homosexuals have been complaining of gay bashing in our community. In response to the concerns raised by this group, Hamilton Police Services some years ago established a task group to look into the problem. The incident that happened this past week indicates that the police and the community must do more to stop violence against homosexuals in our community.

Today the attack is against gays, but who will be the next victim? Nearly four years ago, members of the Hindu community experienced a similar kind of hate crime perpetrated against them. Their place of worship -- Hindu Samaj Temple -- was set on fire by someone who had too much hate in their heart.

The news of this insane attack on members of our community received international and national coverage. Hamiltonians felt embarrassed and ashamed. The city was viewed by many as one with a bunch of rednecks and backward folks.

Since that time, citizens of the community, with the leadership of then-mayor Bob Wade, established a group to address issues of racism in the city -- Strengthening Hamilton Community Initiative. While I was encouraged by the words from the mayor who spoke out against this repugnant act of hatred, some are wondering whether it is time to put more resources into the city's committee against discrimination?

The thing that galls me about this incident is the deafening silence from some community leaders, including our religious leaders. I am anxiously waiting to hear from the religious fundamentalists who often are in the front line espousing anti-gay sentiments. Making references to the Bible, some of these leaders unconsciously add fuel to the fire of hate or homophobia. I expect to hear a collective cry of shame and condemnation coming from the Hamilton religious community about this vicious attack against a young gay man.

After all the attack on Ron Mattai, a gay man ... is also an attack on us all.