GLBTI hate crimes on the rise in UK

UK: Incidents of hate crimes targeting gay and transgender people in Britain are on the rise, with the latest police statistics showing that crimes against transgender people rose by 14 per cent during 2010, while some areas recorded a 170 per cent increase of homophobic crimes.

Of utmost concern is Scotland, where homophobic offences have risen fivefold in five years, with 666 crimes against LGBT people recorded in 2009/10 compared to the 365 reported in 2007/08.

Earlier this week it was reported that an openly gay bar tender was the possible victim of a hate crime after his burnt body was discovered in Ayrshire, Scotland.

The figures show that were 4,883 offences in 2010, up from 4,805 in 2009, although LGBT campaigners have suggested that up to 75 per cent of people involved in instances of homophobic assaults or violence do not file them with police, The Independent reports.

The gay rights group Stonewall has indicated that there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that unprovoked attacks on LGBT people are on the rise.

While Bernard Reed, from the Gender Identity Research and Education Society, has said hate crimes against transgender persons have increased at a time when more people seek gender affirmation procedures.

“Our research shows 90 per cent of transgender people do not report abuse, so this is the tip of a very large iceberg.

“Society’s acceptance and understanding of trans people is up to 20 years behind LGB; we know people who are spat at every day,” Reed said

UK-based gay activist Peter Tatchell told SX that earlier and better education on LGBT awareness and understanding is required in British schools.

"It ought to be compulsory, from primary level upwards. Challenge prejudice when kids are young and schools can probably eradicate it for life," Tatchell said.

In related matters, The Independent on Sunday has revealed over the weekend that British embassies have been banned from flying the rainbow flag, after a number of ambassadors sparked protests by conservative and anti-gay groups in 2008 when the flag was displayed to mark local gay pride marches.

A confidential ‘eGram’ was sent by the British Foreign Office to its worldwide embassies after at least three British ambassadors – in Latvia, Poland and Brazil – agreed to fly the flag.

“We should continue to restrict flag-flying ... to national flags, as currently set out in guidance.

“Flying other flags opens up too many potentially difficult and divisive questions,” the confidential note reads.

Tatchell told SX that such a direction was ill thought of.

“This is bad advice that just plays into the hands of homophobic bigots. If LGBT human rights is deemed to be divisive, tough," he said.

"It is never right to appease homophobes. That just encourages them."