Paul Birrell

This Friday (October 30) there will be a silent candlelit vigil in The Old Steine, Brighton to show that hate crime is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. It will coincide with the vigil in Trafalgar Square, and other cities across the country, to show people's anger and concern at the hatred targeted at the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The vigil was planned in the wake of the incident on September 25 2009 when Ian Baynham, 62, and his friend were victims of a suspected homophobic assault in Trafalgar Square. Ian was attacked by three youths, two women and a man and later died from his injuries on October 13. Ian is not alone, he is one of thousands of people who have been victims of hate crime.

A spokesman for the Brighton vigil said:
"Since then we have suffered abuse, attacks and murders directed against our communities. All of us are threatened just by being who we are, none of us can be sure we are safe."

Candles will be provided but organisers request that those attending bring their own if possible. 

It seems that hate crime against LGBT people is on the increase and after such high profile assault, attacks and murders the organisers believe it is time to show that we will not tolerate this hatred targeted at us in this city.

The situation in some parts of the world such as Iran, and even countries in Europe such as Serbia which recently saw a homophobic murder at its Pride event, remains even more stark. World Pride 2012 will throw a spotlight on this.
 
Paul Birrell, Chair of Pride London, said:    
"I am sickened and saddened by this needless death. This is the fourth homophobic murder in London in the last 12 months and this has to stop! I am confident the Metropolitan Police will bring Ian's killers to justice and we will offer them any assistance in doing so. I urge Londoners to join us in  Trafalgar Square on Friday, 30th October to remember Ian."

The vigil takes place Friday October 30, 9pm at the Victoria Fountain, Old Steine, Brighton (opposite Revenge)
For more information on the Brighton event call or text James on: 07730777290
For more information on the Trafalgar Square event see:
Facebook group 17-24-30 and look for the event 'Silent Candle-lit Vigil'.