Take action against Homophobia appeal by Liberal Party

Cllr Steve Radford
Leader Liberal Party Group
41 Sutton Street
Tuebrook
Liverpool
L13 7EG
0151 259 5935
07920090322

Dear Editor

In the Guardian (Sat 28th July) Paul Flynn highlighted the continuing levels and impact of homophobia in schools, he wrote:
"Shocking suicide statistics underline the predicament. Research has shown that 40% of gay boys bullied at school have gone on to attempt suicide. Initiatives such as the superb Barnardo's campaign against homophobic bullying go some way to mending the problems, but these are too deep to be tackled even by the best efforts of charities."

Here in Liverpool astounding research showed a similar sense of isolation. One youngster having complained of bullying at school stated that rather than being treated as a victim ,the pupil was treated as the problem.

The response of the Liverpool authorities to statistics, in the Stormbreak Research, such as 14% of Gay and Lesbian Households were subject to homophobic abuse or attacks from people they identified as neighbours, has been to bury the report as deeply and as long as possible.

The report concluded an endemic attitude across the county of Gays, Lesbians and Transgendered people being legitimate targets for abuse and prejudice

Several attempts by members of our Liberal Party Group has so far failed to get the full report published to even our city councillors.
 What a subversive concept elected councillors being given research paid for by the council, without being neutered by the spin brigade.

On a positive note the Stormbreak report showed the terrific strides by Merseyside Police to combat and  support the victims of Homophbic Crime

Homophobia is the last prejudice still tolerated in society and remains due to the silence of those in authority. Well done to Paul Flynn and a few other reporters prepared to rock the boat.
It is time the truth on Homophobia was Outed

Cllr Steve Radford
Leader Liberal Party Group