GMP flies rainbow flag for IDAHOT

Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Jim Battle, PCSO Kris Lysaght from the North Manchester Division and Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley raise the flag outside FHQ.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has raised the rainbow flag in support of IDAHOT 2015 (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia).

The Force’s participation in the annual event marks its support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) communities in Greater Manchester and across the world.

IDAHOT is held on 17 May each year to commemorate the day in 1990 that the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Rainbow flags will be raised across the Force, with some officers donning rainbow laces to show their support.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said: “Our differences are what makes us stronger and everybody has the right to go about their daily business without the fear of hatred and abuse.

“GMP is proud to support IDAHOT to highlight the importance of treating everyone with respect and show our LGB&T communities that we take their concerns very seriously and are committed to tackling action against any form of hate crime committed against them.

“I would encourage anyone who is a victim of homophobic or transphobic abuse to report the matter immediately. We are committed to taking robust action against hate crime so we can help bring an end to homophobia and transphobia.”

GMP’s ‘police with pride’ rainbow car, which launched last year, is used to promote gay and transgender communities.