Richmond backs IDAHO day

10.26.08am GMT Fri 23rd May 2008

• THE Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Serge Lourie, waved a rainbow flag outside the front of York House on 17 May to mark International Day Against Homophobia.

The event aims to raise awareness and combat homophobia. As part of Richmond Council's commitment to equalities, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Staff Support Group (LGBT) have displayed banners outside York House and Twickenham Police Station. The event is also being supported by Gaydar Radio Station and Richmond Police.

Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Lourie, said: "As the Cabinet Member responsible for equalities I am delighted to work with such a constructive LGBT group. As one of London's safest boroughs we probably have lower levels of homophobic crime than in other parts of the Capital. However, if there is one assault on a person simply because of their sexual orientation it is one too many, and we do know that many such incidents go unreported. Unfortunately victimisation does still happen and it is vital, if the scourge of homophobic hate crime is to be stamped out, that we have the best possible co-operation between all our communities, the police and the Council. The borough's LGBT Forum aims to increase reporting of homophobic crimes and the conviction levels of those responsible. I urge anyone who is a victim of homophobia to contact the Forum, the police or the Community Safety Team on 08456 122 660."