UPDATE —
More details have surfaced about the alleged assault of two gay teens in Richmond Hill on Nov 15.
York Regional Police say two males and a female friend were invited to a house party. As they arrived a man, who was not the owner of the home, denied entry to the victims and allegedly assaulted them. During the ensuing altercation police say the man directed a homophobic slur at one of the male victims.
Police describe the victim’s injuries as minor.
The case is currently being reviewed to determine if the assault is a hate crime.
“Whether or not it was hate motivated has to be determined,” says Sgt Laurie Perks of York Regional Police.
Concerns about the safety of the accused have caught the attention of the police thanks to a Facebook group created in support of the victims.
The victims have not responded to Xtra’s requests for an interview.
Homophobic assault alleged in Richmond Hill
HOMOPHOBIA / Incident happened same night as Oshawa protest
Andrew Innis / Toronto / Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Two teens were the victims of a homophobic assault at a house party in Richmond Hill on Nov 15.
York Regional Police say they responded to a call early on Nov 15 when a group of people tried to join a party but were refused entry. A 17-year-old suspect, who cannot be identified, was arrested in connection with the assault.
Police report that the incident may have been motivated by homophobia.
“This weekend Calvin and Paul were brutally attacked at a party that they were invited to,” reads a Facebook page entitled This One’s for Calvin and Paul. “It wasn’t because the people there had beef with them or anything; it was because of their life choice.”
The assualt allegedly occured the same night of a protest against homopobic violence against two Oshawa women who were attacked in front of their children.
Check Xtra.ca for additional details as they develop.
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