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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Amy-Clare Martin

Police chief says homophobia apology could ‘unfairly impugn’ past officers

  • Greater Manchester Police's Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, has declined to apologise to the LGBT+ community for historical homophobia within the force, a move criticised by campaigners as an "insult".
  • Human rights charity the Peter Tatchell Foundation requested all forces apologise for decades of LGBT+ victimisation. Twenty-one other forces have issued formal apologies.
  • Mr Watson stated that a sweeping apology could be seen as "superficial" and "unfairly impugn" past officers, while acknowledging GMP did not always meet expected standards.
  • Peter Tatchell highlighted the force's troubling history under then-Chief Constable James Anderton in the 1980s, during the Aids crisis, when officers targeted gay venues.
  • Mr Tatchell argues that an apology is an act of justice and healing which could foster trust and encourage LGBT+ people to report crimes.

IN FULL

Greater Manchester Police chief refuses to apologise for past homophobia in ‘insult’ to LGBT+ community

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