Key Takeaways
- The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has apologized for past police failings towards LGBTQ+ people, acknowledging "unacceptable discrimination and the pain and suffering it caused".
- The apology is in contrast to the stance of the chief constable of Greater Manchester police (GMP), Stephen Watson, who declined to apologize on behalf of his force earlier this year.
- Campaigners, including Peter Tatchell, say that a mayoral apology is not enough and that a full and formal apology from GMP is needed.
- Historically, GMP was one of the most homophobic police forces in the UK, with past incidents including the unlawful harassment of gay venues and the public outing of patrons.
- Over 20 UK police forces, including the Met, Merseyside, Northumbria, and Police Scotland, have apologized for their past treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
Introduction to the Apology
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has taken a significant step towards acknowledging the past mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people by the Greater Manchester police force (GMP). In a formal letter to campaigner Peter Tatchell, Burnham apologized for the "unacceptable discrimination and the pain and suffering it caused" towards the LGBTQ+ community. This apology is particularly notable given the history of homophobia within GMP, which was once considered one of the most homophobic police forces in the UK.
Historical Context of Homophobia in GMP
The history of GMP’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people is marked by incidents of harassment, persecution, and discrimination. In the 1980s, the then chief constable, Sir James Anderton, made publicly homophobic statements, including saying that gay men dying of AIDS were "swirling around in a human cesspit of their own making". This rhetoric was not only hateful but also led to the targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals and venues. For example, in 1984, 23 plainclothes officers raided Napoleon’s bar, citing a bylaw against "licentious dancing". The incident resulted in the public outing of patrons, leading to loss of jobs, homophobic slurs, and violence.
The Apology and Its Significance
Burnham’s apology is a significant step towards acknowledging the past wrongdoing of GMP. In his letter, he stated that "there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the LGBTQ+ community historically were treated shamefully by this country and clearly subject to discrimination in many ways". He also acknowledged that mayors have no statutory powers to instruct chief constables, who are operationally independent. However, Tatchell has expressed disappointment that the chief constable, Stephen Watson, continues to refuse to apologize on behalf of GMP. Watson had previously written to Tatchell, expressing sorrow that the force "didn’t always perform to the standards deserved by those whom we serve", but declined to apologize generally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Comparison to Other Police Forces
Burnham’s apology is not an isolated incident, as over 20 UK police forces have apologized for their past treatment of LGBTQ+ people. These forces include the Met, Merseyside, Northumbria, and Police Scotland. The fact that GMP has not yet apologized has led to criticism from campaigners, who argue that a mayoral apology is not enough. Tatchell has stated that he will continue to campaign for a "full and formal apology" from GMP, emphasizing the need for the police force to take responsibility for its past actions.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The apology from Andy Burnham is a positive step towards acknowledging the past mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people by GMP. However, the refusal of the chief constable to apologize on behalf of the force has led to disappointment and criticism from campaigners. The need for a full and formal apology from GMP remains, and it is likely that this issue will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate. As Tatchell said, "a mayoral apology, welcome though it is, cannot substitute for an apology from the police force that carried out these abuses". The campaign for a formal apology from GMP will likely continue, with the goal of achieving justice and acknowledgment for the LGBTQ+ community.
