Hate crimes in CanadaCanada is regarded internationally as an ideal representation of a multicultural and tolerant nation (Perry, 2011, p.4). However, the continued presence of hate crimes in Canada appears to make this multicultural status more of a myth than a statement of fact (Perry, 2011, p.8). Hate crimes are not just criminal acts perpetrated against specific individuals; they are attempts to incite fear in entire identity groups (“End Hate Crime,” n.d.). While myriad identity groups suffer victimization resulting from hate speech and heinous criminal acts, one group appears particularly vulnerable: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Canadians. This increased vulnerability is the result of intersectionality; the interactive effects of being LGBTQ and other identity characteristics (Perry, 2011, p.25-26). Therefore, the scope of this discussion will focus on the experiences of LGBTQ Canadians as this identity permeates racial, gender, and age barriers. The Criminal Code of Canada states that hate crimes are those crimes that propagate hatred towards “identifiable groups”. These crimes include “incitement to genocide”, “public incitement to hatred” and “intentional promotion of hatred” (Penal Code, 2014). Further changes to this legislation allow for “prejudice, prejudice or hatred” to serve as an aggravating factor during sentencing when it has been determined that these aforementioned elements served as motivation to commit a criminal offense (Faulkner, 2011, p.231). Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms constitutionally protects the freedom of expression, thought, belief and religion of everyone residing in Canada. This includes personal and religious views that......center of paper......LGBTQ individuals. Canadians must be willing to take action and not act as spectators to those who sympathize and those who commit hate crimes (Levin, 2007). Steps need to be taken to increase the degree of citizenship experienced by LGBTQ Canadians and to reduce the extensive social exclusion they face (Field, 2006). The onus is also on LGBTQ Canadians to empower themselves and increase their visibility as this can counteract the incessant hostility they experience (Perry and Dyck, 2014). Current Canadian legislation condones violent crime against LGBTQ individuals and perpetuates a culture of hostility, alienation, and the violation of basic human rights. Without significant change and a halt to hate crimes, violence against LGBTQ Canadians will continue unabated and ideals such as social inclusion, diversity and equality will remain lacking.