Hate crime

1998 The homophobic murder of 21 year old gay student Matthew Shephard in America horrified the world. His death brought International attention to the issue of hate crime.

Hate crimes are unacceptable, and can involve attacks on people because they are seen as different in some way, either because of their race, culture, religion or because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The police take hate crimes seriously, if you or anyone you know experience or witness a hate crime call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 50 50 or report online at www.gmp.police.uk/hatecrime.

If you live outside Manchester, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It’s 12 years since Matthew’s murder and unfortunately hate crime continues, over the last 2 years there has been a rise in homophobic hate crime with 18 year old Michael Causer from Merseyside, 62 year old Ian Baynham from Kent and Nigel Price from Southampton all losing their lives in homophobic attacks.

Help stop the hate, take positive action and get involved in your schools Anti-Bullying group, or join the Exceeding Expectation’s Young Peoples’ Group.