Attacks and threats have been directed at LGBTQ events this summer. Now the support to civil society in order to increase security must be redone.
During the summer, a transcollo for children outside Linköping had to be canceled after it received threats.
And at the end of June, Västerås Pride was subjected to an attack when a group of men severely abused a participant in the event.
Jewish and Muslim congregations in Sweden also testify that they constantly have to think about security.
Civil society and religious communities can today apply for state grants for so-called security-enhancing measures. It can be about bringing guards into premises, at a camp or a festival.
The government subsidy will be increased in the government’s autumn budget from SEK 30 to 74 million next year.
At the same time, the support has received scathing criticism in a report from the State Treasury, which examines state governance. The authority states that the support works worst for those who need it the most.
It is the person who seeks the money first who gets to share in it, rather than the person who is most vulnerable. The support cannot currently be used for safety training of personnel either.
Now the government announces that the model will be changed in the autumn so that organizations with the greatest need receive funds.
“We see today how people choose to take off religious symbols when in public places and how premises are vandalized and destroyed to spread fear and silence. It’s not something we can stand by and watch in silence,” writes Minister of Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD) in a comment.