Theorising homophobic hate crime in Northern Ireland

Homophobic violence in Northern Ireland is an area which has come underthe spotlight in the wake of the ongoing, successful, peace process. Tosome degree the peace process itself has been accused of facilitating andoverlooking homophobic violence. This paper invokes a culturally relativeperspective in order to assess whether there are different dynamics whichay be impacting on the effectiveness of challenges and responses toomophobiamh and violence in Northern Ireland.