12% increase in number of homophobic crimes reported to PSNI

Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has said that there can be no tolerance of homophobic crimes in our society.

Ruane was speaking after it was revealed that there was a 12% increase in the number of homophobic crimes reported to the PSNI in the last year.

“I raised the issue homophobic crime at the latest meeting of the Policing Board and was dismayed to hear that there has been a 12% rise in the number of incidents reported to the PSNI,” she revealed.

“I am however pleased that there has also been a similar rise in the outcome rate in the cases of homophobic crime.

“In recent years we have seen great strides in bringing equality to the LGB&T community and attitudes in society are changing for the positive yet we still have people being targeted for their sexuality.

“There can be no tolerance of homophobic or other hate crimes in our society and I would appeal to people to report any such incidents to the PSNI.

Ruane added, “This is not an issue for the LGB&T community alone as we all have a responsibility to protect our fellow citizens from attacks or bullying and only when everyone stands up together will we see a reduction in these type of crimes.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Nov 9 2015. Filed under Community, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry