In Brandenburg, the number of registered offenses against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity has risen sharply. Last year, a total of 115 offenses in this context were reported, according to a response from the Interior Ministry to a request by the SPD parliamentary group. Including eleven late reports, 2024 saw a total of 95 such offenses.
“There is an uptick that could be linked, among other things, to a changed reporting pattern driven by greater awareness and trust in institutions among victims,” the Interior Ministry said to justify the rising figures. Authorities are also working to raise awareness about this issue. This is done through participation in information sessions, network-building, and awareness-raising measures within the Brandenburg state police as well as other security agencies.
Acts Meant to Intimidate
The ministry described hate crime as the most severe form of hostility toward groups. Such offenses target not only individuals but also aim to intimidate entire populations. Queer-phobic hate crimes can also be directed at institutions, organizations, and clubs. This has occurred in Brandenburg in several districts in 2025.
In the offenses involving gay men, lesbians, bisexual people, transgender and intersex individuals, the figures are provisional and could rise as investigations into other cases proceed, the ministry said. For instance, there were eleven late reports for the year 2024.
