Anti-Romani sentiment

Anti-Romani protest in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, 29 June 2013

Anti-Romani sentiment (also called antigypsyism, anti-Romanyism, antiziganism, ziganophobia, or Romaphobia) is an ideology which consists of hostility, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia which is specifically directed at Romani people (Roma, Sinti, Iberian Kale, Welsh Kale, Finnish Kale, Horahane Roma, and Romanichal). Non-Romani itinerant groups in Europe such as the Yenish, Irish and Highland Travellers are frequently given the name "gypsy" and as a result, they are frequently confused with the Romani people. As a result, sentiments which were originally directed at the Romani people are also directed at other traveler groups and they are frequently referred to as "antigypsy" sentiments.[1]

The term antigypsyism is recognized by the European Parliament and the European Commission as well as by a wide cross-section of civil society.[2][3]

Muslim Roma may face two forms of discrimination: anti-Romani sentiment and Islamophobia.[4][5][6]

The Romani within the LGBTQ community also encounter both anti-Romani sentiment and homophobia, as well as transphobia if applicable.[7]

The term “Gypsy” is considered a slur when used by non-Roma because the words supports misconceptions and stereotypes that Romani people are migratory, roam around and engage in questionable, criminal or illegal activities, which is exemplified by the term "to gyp". The term also supports misconceptions that Romani people are from Egypt.[8]

The societal anxiety and prejudice directed towards Irish Travellers and the Roma community frequently arise from entrenched stereotypes and misconceptions regarding their nomadic way of life and cultural traditions, which have historically marginalized them as outsiders in numerous societies.[9]

Europe still hasn’t assimilated its Roma population to this day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hate speech in Europe increased according to Commissioner for Human Rights.[10]

The United States Department of State has raised concerns about anti-Romani sentiment across Europe.[11]

  1. ^ "Antigypsyism: Causes, prevalence consequences, possible responses". rm.coe.int. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Antigypsyism: Reference Paper" (PDF). Antigypsyism.eu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  3. ^ But is omitted from the online Oxford English Dictionary
  4. ^ "Muslimische Roma: Doppelte Diskriminierung?".
  5. ^ "Muslim Roma Win Discrimination Case Against Montenegro".
  6. ^ "Plight of the Roma Muslims in Bulgaria". 20 May 2010.
  7. ^ Mate, Dezso. "The First Sparks of Romani LGBTQ" (PDF). eriac.org.
  8. ^ Weyrauch, Walter O. (12 September 2001). Gypsy Law. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-92427-7.
  9. ^ Alsford, Niki J. P.; Menefee, Fatimaah J. (2 June 2025). Problem Society: Why Nations Are Divided. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-040-34914-4.
  10. ^ Graceffo, Antonio. "After centuries, Europe still has not assimilated its 'Gypsies'". Mercator. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
  11. ^ "US State Department report finds Roma in Europe face 'widespread governmental and societal discrimination'". European Roma Rights Centre (in Hungarian). Retrieved 3 June 2025.

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