Is nowhere safe?
A 29 year-old Iranian man who fled his homeland to avoid homophobic persecution has had his throat slashed in a homophobic attack at a Canadian university.
“Mo”, who has been living in Toronto since 2009, was attacked by a 21 year-old fellow student around lunchtime on November 25 at the York University Campus of Seneca College.
The attack reportedly happened in front of a large number of students and was captured on security camera.
The 21 year-old man was charged with assault with a weapon and released on bail to appear in court at a later date.
During the attack the offender allegedly called Mo a “faggot” and told him to “go back to your country.”
Mo has been assisted by the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees Inc. since fleeing Iran and the group will now file a discrimination complaint on his behalf.
Members of the Iranian LGBTI community in Toronto will be gathering at the York University Campus to protest the attack and what they feel is a failure by the College to treat the matter as a serious concern.
It makes me sick, sad and all of the above to see something of this nature. I can’t believe that hate crimes still exist. I feel sorry for the 21 year old, I’m hoping if not today then maybe someday this person who made a poor decision will realize what he has done. A simple sorry will not make the necessary amends. I’m 28 years old and until just a few years ago I came out of the closet and am proud of being GAY. I’m also a recovering drug addict who has been clean for about 17 month’s. I realize that with my addiction, it will be equally stronger,smarter, and faster with my recovery. What I’m trying to say is, I wish this world would have some equality for everyone, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, creed, religion, or lack of religion. May we all come together and stop the hate crimes and learn how to Love each other again.
Shameful act, I think this was just as much an attack because someone was from Iran as it was that he was gay… makes me sad to see this happen in my neighbor to the north… but at least here he has a community that will openly and assertively defend him.
Wow some straight people are lovely arent they.