Police officers join in gay pride parade
POLICE officers will be flying the flag with pride when they
attend Cornwall's first ever gay parade event this weekend.
Devon and Cornwall Police will show its support for the gay
community by sending members of the Gay Police Association
(GPA) to the parade in Truro.
It sees the event as a way of celebrating improved relations
between the police and the gay community.
Simon Hill, co-ordinator for the Gay Police Association of
Devon and Cornwall Police, said "We will be flying the GPA flag
at Truro police station on Saturday, August 23 in support of
the first gay pride parade through the streets of the city.
"This is the first time the GPA flag will be flown in Devon
& Cornwall."
Chief Constable Stephen Otter said the police strongly
supported the lesbian, gay, bi and transsexual community.
He said: "I would like to personally add my support to the
organisers and participants of Cornwall Pride 2008."
Pride committee chairman Christian Diamant said: "It is very
exciting that in just a few days Cornwall will see its first
countywide Pride festival.
"Not only this, but we have recently found out that it is
going to be a first for the UK as well, as we are the only
countywide Pride event in the country."
Stalls from groups throughout the county will gather in
Truro's Victoria Park, along with dancers, singers, comedy acts
and circus workshops.
Devon and Cornwall Police has had the Gay Police Association
staff support group since 2002. The GPA will not march in
uniform at Truro Pride or take part as an organised
contingent.
However, gay police officers and staff will take part in the
parade and the other events as members of the community.
The Devon and Cornwall GPA will be working with colleagues
from Cornwall Diversity and other groups at the event.
7 Comments
by jack barker, Helstn, cornwall
Friday, August 29 2008, 11:52AM
“OOh and in addition, i would like to point out that I am straight, i've been in a happy relationship for four years, and just because you have the right to choose a heterosexual life does not deny you the right to support the homosexual culture.
Grow up. Have a heart.”
by jack barker, Helston, Cornwall
Friday, August 29 2008, 11:49AM
“What do you mean "What a state this country is in"?
I feel slightly sorry for Gordon for even making this comment.
Maybe he feels threatened, because when he was growing up, freedom of expression was barely active, and diversity was punished rather than celebrated. He must feel upset that people, like you and me, are no longer being denied to celebrate themselves.
Homosexuality is really no different to heterosexuality. It is the way people ae, it is harmless to society and likewise deserves to be celebrated. You sir, are living proof that these events are needed, and still relevent in a worl that is only just emerging from the dark ages that you hold so closely to your heart.”
by simon Carpenter, Truro
Saturday, August 23 2008, 8:47PM
“Well done guys! a fantastic sight to see.
Broken Rainbow Cornwall Supporting the event.”
by mandy, cornwall uk
Friday, August 22 2008, 5:57PM
“I have to differ with the above comments made by gordon wills and ms les bo why shouldn't gay people be allowed to show their love and affection openly?? After all we ARE supposed to be living in a free and divesity free country I suggest that these narrow minded people get out more often and leave us alone.”
by Matt, Truro
Friday, August 22 2008, 11:48AM
“"Flying the flag with pride" ? Which flag pray tell. Not the Cornish flag, the Union Jack or the cross of St George obviously.
The lack of distance, the complete absence of any dissenting voice, with which this story has been reported across the media is stunning. The job of our police is law enforcement, pure and simple. Stopping crime, solving crime, and arresting villains. All of this touchy feely leftie diversity rot is a distortion of their role and a dereliction of duty. The police 'service' (no longer a force) is now a politicized branch of the social services. Institutionally speaking the police have absolutely no business 'supporting' homosexual jamborees or marching in them. If this is being done on work time it is an insult to taxpayers. Gay Pride is a socio-political project that has sought to change society and change our laws. Are we now likely to see uniformed police "flying the flag" and marching in Catholic processions, Countryside Alliance marches, and 'Straight Pride' events, if such exist? I doubt it.”
by Mrs Les-bo, Bideford
Friday, August 22 2008, 12:09AM
“I don't have anything against gays but,why do they constantly have to rub peoples noses in their sexuality? Do what you do behind closed doors like the rest of us and stop parading around. What is happening to this place eh?”
by Gordon Wills, Cullompton UK
Thursday, August 21 2008, 9:38PM
“What a state this country has arrived at. I never thought that I would ever see the likes of it .would'nt it be good if we could roll back the years .pre -Labour. Disenchanted.”