NI gays experience high levels of harassment

Northern Ireland's gay community experience higher levels of homophobic harassment than those living in other parts of the UK and Republic of Ireland, a new report has said.

The report, 'An Acceptable Prejudice? Homophobic Violence and Harassment in Northern Ireland', revealed that 88% of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the province have at one time been subjected to verbal or physical harassment as a result of their gender.

The research, undertaken by Belfast-based Institute for Conflict Research, also found that since July 2000 the PSNI have recorded 120 homophobic incidents, of which 90% were reported by men.

Homophobic harassment generated a wide range of emotions, the report revealed, including fear, anger and depression. Many people also felt unsafe in public places as a result of being harassed.

To avoid such instances many people adopted strategies such as not holding hands; avoiding leaving an LGB venue alone; and avoiding appearing like a LGB.

In its recommendations, the report said that there was a need for a broad campaign to raise awareness around homophobia and resulting violence.

The PSNI were also advised to produce an annual review of such harassment as part of a wider review of 'hate crime'.

(MB)