NDP MP Svend Robinson wants gay-bashing classified as a hate crime, and said it's time Ottawa supported that position by backing his bill.

"It's a bill that recognizes that when hate crimes are perpetrated in this country against those who are of a minority religion or race or ethnic origin or colour, that Canada says this is wrong," Robinson told CTV's Canada AM.

"But there's one group in the country and that is gays and lesbians -- the group that has more hate crimes, more violence perpetrated against it -- that isn't included in the hate propaganda laws."

Robinson created Bill C-250, which aims to include sexual orientation in Canada's hate propaganda laws. Persons convicted of hate crimes are subject to sentences of up to two years.

The private members bill is being examined by the Commons Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Robinson said the Conservative Party, New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois all support the bill. However, he said the Canadian Alliance does not.

"They have opposed every equality bill that's come before the House for gays and lesbians," Robinson said of the Canadian Alliance.

With Ottawa split on the bill, the pressure is on the Liberals to decide either way. MP John McKay said they have to consider some of the criticisms of the bill, such as its effect on freedom of expression.

"There's not much doubt that there's merit in the bill," McKay told Canada AM. "The problem is it runs up against a fairly well entrenched concept of freedom of expression."

He said measures of freedom of expression are a "moving target" that leave some confused about their behaviour. "Some people may say certain expressions are hateful and certain others are not. It's a bit imprecise," McKay said.

However, Robinson said the vast majority of Canadians agree that you can't promote hatred and violence at people because they happen to be gay or lesbian.

"It's about the right of Canadians to live their lives with dignity and respect and not be subjected to violence and hatred," he said.

The committee heard last week from Insp. David Jones of the Vancouver Police Department. He told The Canadian Press that he believes being gay puts people at an added risk on the streets.

"Sixty-two per cent of the violence is based on sexual orientation," Jones said from Ottawa. "That points to the need to protect these people."

Jones also pointed to the death of Aaron Webster, a 41-year-old photographer, was beaten to death on Nov. 17, 2001, in Stanley Park in Vancouver.

"I think [the murder of] Aaron Webster was the trigger," said Jones.

With a report from The Canadian Press