A HOMOPHOBIC attack on two gay men in Derry has been widely condemned. The two, aged 22 and 38, were targeted and beaten by three men in the city early on Saturday. Details of the incident were made public yesterday.
The incident has prompted the PSNI to admit that the rate of such attacks in the area has risen significantly in the past year.
Insp Tony Callaghan said: “I believe there are low-level hate incidents that happen on a daily basis. Whether it’s race based, religion based, sectarian, homophobic or relating to disabilities. People out there are suffering in silence.”
Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan said: “Regardless of whether it expresses itself in the sort of wanton attack on this gay couple or in the subtle prejudice we see all too often, homophobia is inexcusable.”
Local organisation, People Before Profit, called for political action. “Northern Ireland has politicians in government who have made disgusting and antediluvian comments around homosexuality,” it said.
“Many of our church leaders have also fanned the flames of bigotry by attacking the gay community. The poisonous comments by politicians and church leaders give justification to the thugs and bullies who then attack physically or verbally gay people on the streets or in their homes.”