17 May 2011 -  On the International day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT day, Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for Oxford and the South East has expressed his concern over the rise in homophobic hate crime in Oxford. Last year the number of homophobic incidents reported to police rose by more than 170 per cent, with nineteen attacks reported.

The international day against homophobia sees events held around the world which call for respect for lesbian, gay and transgender people worldwide.

Keith Taylor, a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights said: “I’m really worried by these figures which show a huge increase in homophobic hate crime. Oxford has a reputation as a liberal, tolerant city where lesbians, gay and transgender people can feel safe.

He continued: “It’s good that people are coming forward and reporting these crimes to the police, but police estimate that about 90 per cent of all hate crime across the country is not reported. To see that any homophobic violence is taking place really saddens and angers me. Oxford should be a city where no one is afraid to express their identity.”

Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party, who is co-sponsoring an Early Day Motion on IDAHOBIT calling for greater equality for the LGBT community (1) said: “The seventh annual International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is a great opportunity to raise the rainbow flag in support of the LGBT community here and around the world – and to reaffirm that homophobia and transphobia have absolutely no place in our society. ”

Last week Keith and Green MEP for London, Jean Lambert, attended the opening of an exhibition of photographs of European gay pride marches. The event was held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to mark today’s International Day against Homophobia. The European Parliament’s president, Jerzy Buzek, reminded European member states that, as signatories to various EU treaties and the charter of fundamental rights, they are committed to “rooting out homophobia”. He urged the EU to speak out “with one voice” against prejudice towards gays and lesbians.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Caroline Lucas MP has sponsored an Early Day Motion on the International day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT day): http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1780