By Isaac Hammouch
Democracies are not measured solely by their economic prosperity, technological achievements, or political stability. Above all, they are judged by their ability to protect the most vulnerable, uphold fundamental freedoms, and safeguard the dignity of every human being. That is precisely why the events that unfolded in Berlin during the Pride March cannot be dismissed as just another news story. They compel us to reflect on the state of our societies, the rise of hate-fuelled rhetoric, and our collective responsibility in confronting the violence that continues to target those whose only “offence” is to be different.
What was meant to be a celebration of diversity became a tragedy. Thousands of people had gathered in the German capital to take part in Christopher Street Day, one of Europe’s largest Pride events, celebrating equality, inclusion, and the freedom to live authentically. Amid this peaceful gathering, a vehicle drove into the crowd, leaving death, injuries, and shock in its wake. Emergency services responded within minutes, police secured the area, and an investigation was immediately launched to establish the exact circumstances of the attack. German authorities have described the incident as an act of terrorism while continuing to investigate the precise motives of the perpetrator. In a society governed by the rule of law, justice must always be based on evidence rather than speculation, however overwhelming the emotions surrounding such a tragedy may be.
Yet it would be equally irresponsible to regard this event as an isolated incident, detached from the broader climate of hostility that has been spreading across parts of Europe in recent years. Human rights organisations, European institutions, and independent monitoring bodies have repeatedly warned of a worrying increase in hate speech and violence directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Physical assaults, verbal abuse, online harassment, intimidation, and discrimination remain an everyday reality for countless European citizens.
The evidence is deeply troubling. Surveys conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reveal that a significant proportion of LGBTQ+ people have experienced harassment or discrimination in recent years. Many admit that they avoid holding their partner’s hand in public, conceal their sexual orientation in the workplace, or choose not to report acts of violence because they fear they will not be taken seriously. These figures are more than statistics; they reveal a climate of fear that should have no place in any democratic society.
Belgium is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most progressive countries in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. It was among the first nations to legalise same-sex marriage and has enacted robust anti-discrimination legislation. Yet legal progress has not eradicated prejudice. Reports from Unia and official data continue to document homophobic and transphobic incidents. Physical attacks are still recorded, insults remain commonplace in schools, on public transport, and even in sporting arenas, while social media has too often become an amplifier of hatred. Legislative advances are essential, but laws alone cannot transform attitudes overnight.
It would be a profound mistake, however, to believe that this issue concerns only LGBTQ+ communities. Whenever a citizen is attacked because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, it is not merely that individual’s rights that are violated. The very foundations of the democratic social contract are weakened. A society that tolerates fear among some of its members because of who they are gradually ceases to be a truly free society.
Pride marches are sometimes misunderstood. Some dismiss them as little more than festive parades; others portray them as provocative demonstrations. Such interpretations fundamentally overlook their historical significance. Pride events emerged from decades of struggle against discrimination, arbitrary arrests, persecution, and institutional injustice. They remind us that freedoms now often taken for granted were won only through perseverance, courage, and sacrifice. At their heart lies a simple yet profound principle: every human being has the right to live openly, without fear of humiliation, violence, or exclusion.
