MPA: Determination to tackle homophobic crime

68/09
30 October 2009

The MPA has sought re-assurance from the Commissioner that, given the recent rise in homophobic attacks in the capital, all is being done to tackle this heinous hate crime.

Mayor Boris Johnson, Chair of the MPA said:

“Londoners have become increasingly concerned about the number of homophobic attacks and the recent death of Ian Baynham was particularly appalling. My thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone affected by hate crime.

“London is known around the world as a place where people can be who they want to be. Homophobic attacks and other hate crimes must not be tolerated and we are committed to working with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that they are dealt with rigour. We must keep hate crime high on the agenda across London if we are to ensure perpetrators are held to account and reduce the risk of it happening in the first place. So I would urge anyone affected by, or witnessing a hate crime, to report it.”

MPA Vice Chair Kit Malthouse said:

“I am extremely concerned over the recent incidents of homophobic attacks and fully support the measures the Met are putting in place to tackle this. It is essential that the LGBT community are encouraged  to report crimes perpetrated against them. The MPA are working closely with the Met to increase  LGBT community confidence in London’s police and put out the message of re-assurance that our police do take seriously this evil hate crime.”

Kirsten Hearn, Chair of the MPA’s Equality and Diversity Sub-committee will be attending the vigil to be held in Trafalgar Square on Friday 30 October 2009.

MPS Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said:

“We have seen an increase in reported homophobic crime and that clearly is of concern to us. This is attributed in some ways as a result of increased confidence by the community, there is still significant under reporting of this crime which we wish to address.

“The Met is committed to continuing its awareness raising of this type of crime both inside the organisation, and within communities. Working with partners, we have been able to set up third party reporting protocols, engage through local safer neighbourhood teams and continue to support the use of LGBT liaison officers in London boroughs. While this has seen our detection rates in relation to this type of crime increase, there is always more to be done.” 

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