Police fly the IDAHO Rainbow Flag in support of the fight to tackle hate crime
MERSEYSIDE Police and Merseyside's
Deputy Police Commissioner are urging people to speak out against hate crime as
organisations around the world prepare to mark International Day against
Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT or IDAHO, as it is commonly known, was held around the world on, 17 May
2015, to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation finally
removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
For the ninth consecutive year, Merseyside Police raised the rainbow flag,
sometimes known as the 'freedom flag', at Police headquarters as
well as Police stations in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens.
The flag, which has been a symbol of gay and lesbian pride since the 1970's,
will be lifted at a ceremony at Police headquarters on Canning Place on Friday
morning in front of representatives from the Gay Lesbian Support Network, Victim
Support, Armistead and Homotopia.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, said:- "Flying the rainbow flag is
an important visible sign of the Police's dedication and commitment to
eradicating homophobia, transphobia and hate crimes against members of these
communities. This forms part of our larger commitment to tackling hate crime in
all its forms and we want the message to be clear to victims and offenders that
offences involving disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender
will not be tolerated by Merseyside Police. Merseyside Police is continually
striving to raise awareness of hate crime in all of its forms. We always
encourage victims and witnesses to report hate crimes to our specialist 'SIGMA'
hate crime investigation units who will treat each case with professionalism and
sensitivity and provide on going support as their case goes to court. The
rainbow flag signifies pride, inclusivity and diversity and we are proud to be
working closely with other agencies to change attitudes and promote differences
while ensuring we treat all people fairly and equally in the communities that we
serve."
Deputy Police
Commissioner Cllr Ann O'Byrne said:- "Flying the flag over stations across
Merseyside sends out a strong and visible message that we will not tolerate
crimes motivated by hate and prejudice. It shows our support for LGBT people
here on Merseyside and across the world, particularly to those countries where
people still face persecution, imprisonment and even torture and death because
of their sexuality. Nobody should suffer abuse, fear or intimidation because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity. As we raise the flag to mark IDAHO
day, I want to reassure all LGBT people that here on Merseyside if you come
forward to report any incident of hate you will be listened to, supported and
helped."
The Deputy also urged anyone who, for any reason, did not want to contact the
Police to get in touch with Stop Hate UK. Stop Hate are a national charity who
have been funded by the Police Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, to provide
independent help and support 24/7 to all victims of hate crime.
To mark the day, the Deputy will also be attending the Navajo Merseyside and
Cheshire LGBTI Chartermark Annual Awards.
The ceremony, held at the City of Liverpool College on Roscoe Street, recognises
good practice, commitment and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and
barriers facing LGBT people in Merseyside.
The theme for this year's event is the 'Lives and Experiences of Gay and
Bisexual Women Past Present and Future Barriers' and organisations which
have demonstrated their commitment to raising awareness and understanding of
LGBT issues will be awarded the Navajo Chartermark.
Merseyside Police were awarded the Chartermark, which signifies an organisation
as a top employer for LGBT people, in 2013.
Martin Fenerty, Operational Manager for the Armistead Centre said:-
"IDAHOT Day marks an important date in the LGBT calendar, giving us a great
opportunity to raise awareness amongst young people about local LBGT support
services and our partnership work with Merseyside Police in tackling Homophobic
and Transphobic hate crime. The day highlights the impact of hate crime on
individuals and wider communities and allows services like ours to reaffirm our
commitment to addressing Homophobia and Transphobia. More importantly it is a
reminder to every one of the importance of reporting all forms of hate crime and
that there is help and support available."
Detective Constable Tracy O'Hara who chairs Merseyside Police's Lesbian Gay
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) network, added:- "This is all about the
Police service and all the other agencies out there coming together to show a
united front and take a stand against discrimination and hate crime."
To find out more about the Gay and Lesbian Support Network
email.
For more information please visit:-
ArmisteadCentre.Co.UK or call Armistead's
helpline:- 0151 247 6560. Alternatively you can follow the service on
Twitter @ArmisteadCentre and take part in the conversation using the hashtags:-
#IDAHOT and #IDAHOTLpool. Find out what events are happening on IDAHOT day in
Liverpool by following:- @IdahotLiverpool.
