18/04/2024
In a press release, the Peter Tatchell Foundation for Human Rights expresses thanks to Gloucestershire Police becoming the fourteenth police force to apologise for past homophobic witch-hunts and discriminatory law enforcement. In a letter to LGBT+ campaigner Peter Tatchell, Chief Constable Rod Hansen expressed regret for the harm caused by the often abusive way the police enforced historic anti-LGBT+ laws: “As Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary, I apologise for the historic misuse of the legislation, which may have led to the over-policing and under-protection of the LGBTQ+ community in Gloucestershire. I am sincerely sorry for any former injustices and the devastating and traumatic impact this would have had on people’s lives and their confidence in the police service." He added that Gloucester police are undertaking a number of positive initiatives to address LGBT+ concerns. These include the appointment of a dedicated Hate Crime Coordinator, the Language Matters policy, a LGBT+ Staff Network, the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programme, celebration of LGBT+ History Month and attendance at Pride events. Mr Tatchell thanked Mr Hansen and noted "My immense gratitude to Rod Hansen for his forthright apology to the LGBT+ community on behalf of Gloucestershire police – and for the positive, supportive and inclusive LGBT+ policies set out in his letter to me. Some people in power find it hard to say sorry for past wrongs. Rod Hansen didn’t hesitate or evade the need for a clear apology. That marks him out as a commendable police chief. We thank him and his officers. Saying sorry helps draw a line under past police homophobia. It’s a laudable continuation of the great work the police have been doing in recent years. I hope it will inspire more LGBTs to report hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual assaults, which is what we all want,” said Mr Tatchell.
