'Police forces are now gay-friendly'

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Police forces are among the most gay-friendly employers in England, particularly in Hampshire, Kent, Merseyside, and the West Midlands, according to a new survey by gay rights campaigners Stonewall. Even the Metropolitan Police – which has faced some criticisms in the past over its attitude towards minority groups – made it into the top 20 of liberal-minded employers.

As for local authorities, Brighton & Hove was the most gay-friendly council with Tower Hamlets (which has a gay chief executive) in second place.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, said: "We have seen very significant change in roles of police services as employers in the last five years. The challenge that still confronts them is to embed the same approach in the way they deliver policing. Some evidence suggests they need to widen their perspective in delivering a world-class public service."

Alex Marshall, Chief Constable of Hampshire, said: "My team of police officers, staff and volunteers does a brilliant job to ensure we treat everyone fairly and equally, regardless of sexual orientation."

The Times quoted Darryl Clarke of Hampshire Constabulary as saying: "It has been such a positive experience. I have previously worked in various roles in health where you would think it would be fine to be openly gay. But I have not felt able to be open, and the result is you feel like half a person, constantly guarding what you say. Here I am a complete person."