Homophobia

Homophobia or Transphobia can be defined as prejudice or discrimination against those identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. Such behaviour is attributed directly to social intolerance towards those who are, or are perceived not to be straight.

The police use the following definition when recording a homophobic incident.

" Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other person"

This means any incident (not necessarily a crime) which appears to be related to individual’s actual or perceived sexuality.

Prejudice and homophobic attitudes are still prevalent in the United Kingdom. Homophobic crime is largely unreported to the police. It is Hertfordshire’s policing priority to combat homophobic hate crime and target the perpetrators

The Police take homophobic incidents seriously and understand that this kind of crime can have a devastating affect on the individual. They are committed to giving all victims of crime a professional and sensitive service. They also understand that people experiencing homophobia may be reluctant to report a crime or incident because of concern over perceived police attitudes, the fear of retribution by offenders, or concern about their own sexuality becoming known.

All reports of homophobic/transphobic incidents will be treated in the strictest confidence. A Hate Crime Officer can explain this to you.

How to report a Homophobic / Transphobic Crime

You can tell the Police about a Hate Crime in several ways, including on-line reporting:

• In an emergency call 999
• Phone or call in to a Hertfordshire Constabulary police station
• Contact your local Hate Crime Officer
• Contact other reporting centres throughout Hertfordshire
• Online - Report a Hate Crime online.

 

Stonewall

Stonewall works with a whole range of agencies to address the needs of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals in the wider community.

Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a small group of women and men who had been active in the struggle against Section 28 of the Local Government Act. Some major successes include helping achieve the equalisation of the age of consent, lifting the ban on lesbians and gay men serving in the military, securing legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt and the repeal of Section 28. More recently. Stonewall has helped secure civil partnerships and ensured the recent Equality Act protected lesbians and gay men in terms of goods and services.

For further information please visit the website at www.stonewall.org.uk

See also: Hate Crime