GMP flys the flag against Homophobia and Transphobia

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is showing its support for this year's International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) by flying the rainbow flag from its headquarters.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney this morning, Monday 17 May 2010, raised the flag, which is the internationally recognised symbol for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGT) communities, outside Chester House, GMP's HQ.

All police divisional headquarters across Greater Manchester will also be flying the rainbow flag to tackle homophobic hate crime.

The 17 May was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the day that the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: "This shows Greater Manchester Police's commitment to ensuring everyone can feel safe in Greater Manchester.

"We know from the number incidents there is still a great deal of prejudice to be tackled, but we are determined to show our support for anyone who feels they have been targeted by hate crime.

"Our support for events such as Gay Pride and IDAHO demonstrates this commitment. I also feel that in terms of tackling homophobia within the force we have made great strides in recent years and our culture has changed for the better over the 10 or 20 years.

"What we want is for people to come to work and be themselves."

Darren Haslam, Greater Manchester Police's Lesbian and Gay Staff Affiliation Chairman said: "GMP raised the flag last year and by flying it again this year we are showing our continued support and commitment to IDAHO. Hate crime is under reported by all of our communities and by flying the flag GMP is encouraging people to report incidents to put an end to homophobia and transphobia.”