"Hate will not be tolerated" at Birmingham Pride, says West Midlands' Crime Commissioner
There will be a clamp down on crimes directed at LGBTQ+ people this weekend
Last updated 23rd Sep 2021
Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands Simon Foster says hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people will not be tolerated at Birmingham Pride this weekend.
PCC Foster and members of the West Midlands police will join the parade in a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Birmingham Pride is a massive event for the city, attracting over 100,000 every year who parade through the streets to the LGBTQ+ village.
Stats show that last year there were reports of 1,188 hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in the West Midlands.
It's part of the new West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's manifesto to clamp down on cases of hate crime and abuse against the community.
“Abuse, hate and violence against LGBTQ+ people is unacceptable and I am committed to the prevention and elimination of hate crime including homophobia, biphobia and transphobia", said PCC Simon Foster.
“We must encourage and facilitate the reporting of hate crime, ensure the perpetrators are held to account via the criminal justice system and provide the right support at the right time to victims of hate related crime."
PPC Foster has introduced a new service which offers emotional, personal and practical support to LGBTQ+ victims of hate crime.
Funding has also been put in place to provide further support for LGBTQ+ victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.