Comments on: Tories question decision to fly rainbow flag at police HQ http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/ PinkNews.co.uk Gay News (UK and world) from Pink News - all the gay news for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community in the UK and beyond- thegaynews from Pink News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:37:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Jo http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43370 Jo Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:22:16 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43370 The Daily Telegraph got it wrong. It's the Gay Police Association flag, not a rainbow flag per se, that's been hoisted at the North Wales Police HQ. In a blog entry on 30th Jan, Asst Chief Constable Ian Shannon wrote: "February is LGBT History Month and I was delighted to have the opportunity today to join colleagues in raising the Gay Police Association flag outside North Wales Police Headquarters, to mark the launch of this celebration." See <a HREF="http://www.north-wales.police.uk/portal/blogs/acc/archive/2009/01/30/gay-history-month.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.north-wales.police.uk/portal/blogs/acc/archive/2009/01/30/gay-history-month.aspx</A>. On Friday afternoon I passed the North Wales Police HQ and the only flag visible from the main road was the Welsh Red Dragon flag on the main flagpole in front of the building. I have no idea which part of the site the Gay Police Association flag has been flying in. The Daily Telegraph got it wrong. It's the Gay Police Association flag, not a rainbow flag per se, that's been hoisted at the North Wales Police HQ.

In a blog entry on 30th Jan, Asst Chief Constable Ian Shannon wrote: "February is LGBT History Month and I was delighted to have the opportunity today to join colleagues in raising the Gay Police Association flag outside North Wales Police Headquarters, to mark the launch of this celebration." See http://www.north-wales.police.uk/portal/blogs/acc/archive/2009/01/30/gay-history-month.aspx.

On Friday afternoon I passed the North Wales Police HQ and the only flag visible from the main road was the Welsh Red Dragon flag on the main flagpole in front of the building. I have no idea which part of the site the Gay Police Association flag has been flying in.

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]]> By: wossname http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43079 wossname Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:42:35 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43079 Yeah, "political correctness gone mad" is the usual whine of homophobic bigots, just read the daily mail for proof of that. This has cost nothing in police time. I doubt a copper even went up to the roof to put the flag up, probably a member of the police staff did it who's duties, amongst many others, include sticking flags up poles, for whatever reason. A lot of fuss about nothing but as usual, a tory makes it a big deal. Typical right wing attitude. Yeah, I hear all this crap about how Labour have caused this recession (really? not the yanks then?) but we had a recession under thatcher but I had damn sight less rights then than I do now under Labour. Recession? I'll survive, no one will starve to death including tory loving gays who seem to have a rather selective memory when it comes to the rights and wrongs of particular political parties. Yeah, "political correctness gone mad" is the usual whine of homophobic bigots, just read the daily mail for proof of that. This has cost nothing in police time. I doubt a copper even went up to the roof to put the flag up, probably a member of the police staff did it who's duties, amongst many others, include sticking flags up poles, for whatever reason. A lot of fuss about nothing but as usual, a tory makes it a big deal. Typical right wing attitude. Yeah, I hear all this crap about how Labour have caused this recession (really? not the yanks then?) but we had a recession under thatcher but I had damn sight less rights then than I do now under Labour. Recession? I'll survive, no one will starve to death including tory loving gays who seem to have a rather selective memory when it comes to the rights and wrongs of particular political parties.

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]]> By: John (Derbyshire) http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43060 John (Derbyshire) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:46:48 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43060 Ok Outraged- They may be poncing about now-trying to look good and presenting a positive PR image-but-guess what-after the next election they will still be poncing about -but this time spending hours and hours wondering round cruising areas and fitting up public conveniences with cameras trying to catch a few gays instead of trying to catch the real criminals. Can`t you see what we are slipping in to here? Ok Outraged- They may be poncing about now-trying to look good and presenting a positive PR image-but-guess what-after the next election they will still be poncing about -but this time spending hours and hours wondering round cruising areas and fitting up public conveniences with cameras trying to catch a few gays instead of trying to catch the real criminals. Can`t you see what we are slipping in to here?

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]]> By: Ryan Haynes - fyi radio http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43055 Ryan Haynes - fyi radio Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:38:14 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43055 After speaking to Michael Cashman at the weekend my key concern is that we can continue to fight for equality and legislation to protect LGBT people but until these laws are implemented and adhered to they become pointless pieces of paper. While flying a flag is symbolic, I want to see education and action happen - because any two-year old can wave a pretty flag! After speaking to Michael Cashman at the weekend my key concern is that we can continue to fight for equality and legislation to protect LGBT people but until these laws are implemented and adhered to they become pointless pieces of paper.

While flying a flag is symbolic, I want to see education and action happen – because any two-year old can wave a pretty flag!

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]]> By: Jay http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43053 Jay Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:35:14 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43053 Unless a flag is flown for every minority groups pride month. Then nobodies flag should be flown. Unless a flag is flown for every minority groups pride month. Then nobodies flag should be flown.

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]]> By: Outraged of Tunbridge Wells http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43051 Outraged of Tunbridge Wells Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:28:30 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43051 John, you still don't get it. If a Labour politician had complained, you would have probably accepted it. Grieve has hi-jacked nothing! All he has said is the police are posturing, and I totally agree with him. We have crime rates going through the roof and these plods are poncing about with rainbow flags trying to give a good PR image. Maybe if they caught a few more criminals, instead of trying to look good, we might have a bit more time for them. John, you still don't get it. If a Labour politician had complained, you would have probably accepted it. Grieve has hi-jacked nothing! All he has said is the police are posturing, and I totally agree with him. We have crime rates going through the roof and these plods are poncing about with rainbow flags trying to give a good PR image. Maybe if they caught a few more criminals, instead of trying to look good, we might have a bit more time for them.

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]]> By: John (Derbyshire) http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43038 John (Derbyshire) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:23:30 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43038 PS Dominic Grieve -Shadow Justice Minister-has already said he wants to tamper with the laws affecting us-and Anne Widdecombe has boasted that the majority of the new Tory candidates-due in the 2010 election-already support her views on homosexuality and abortion. BEWARE--they already have their guns pointing straight at us!! You have been warned!! PS Dominic Grieve -Shadow Justice Minister-has already said he wants to tamper with the laws affecting us-and Anne Widdecombe has boasted that the majority of the new Tory candidates-due in the 2010 election-already support her views on homosexuality and abortion. BEWARE–they already have their guns pointing straight at us!! You have been warned!!

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]]> By: John (Derbyshire) http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43037 John (Derbyshire) Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:20:59 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43037 Ok Tunbridge-you have a point. This political correctness is being hi-jacked by the Tory right and used as a weapon against us.Don`t you see that?? Ok Tunbridge-you have a point. This political correctness is being hi-jacked by the Tory right and used as a weapon against us.Don`t you see that??

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]]> By: Outraged of Tunbridge Wells http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43032 Outraged of Tunbridge Wells Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:19:15 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43032 Oh. As usual, it's the evil, wicked Tories that are to blame for everything. We wont mention how the "peoples party" have managed to totally f*ck up this country in the last twelve years? Showing gestures is all very well, but appease one, and you have to do them all. What about Black Heritage month? Breast cancer awareness initiative? Nut Allergy weekend? Everyone will want to get on the bandwagon. We don't need flags and posters, we simply want recognition, awareness and understanding. We asked for *equality*, not being put on a pedestal. Being equal generally means being treated ordinary, regular and mundane people just like the other 95% of society. Oh. As usual, it's the evil, wicked Tories that are to blame for everything. We wont mention how the "peoples party" have managed to totally f*ck up this country in the last twelve years?

Showing gestures is all very well, but appease one, and you have to do them all. What about Black Heritage month? Breast cancer awareness initiative? Nut Allergy weekend? Everyone will want to get on the bandwagon. We don't need flags and posters, we simply want recognition, awareness and understanding. We asked for *equality*, not being put on a pedestal. Being equal generally means being treated ordinary, regular and mundane people just like the other 95% of society.

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]]> By: Tony Lambet http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43026 Tony Lambet Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:56:51 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43026 Tory Vote = Vote against Gay rights. I'm sorry, but anyone that says the Tories are now "gay friendly" needs their head tested. Tory Vote = Vote against Gay rights.

I'm sorry, but anyone that says the Tories are now "gay friendly" needs their head tested.

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]]> By: Alan Parker http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43025 Alan Parker Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:54:52 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43025 @Outraged. I half agree with you, but as apYrs pointed out, we have been poorly served by the police in previous years, just talk to men who were around prior to the law change in 1967, and many years since. A small gesture, but one that makes me feel happier about dealing with the police. As for leaving politicians to make these gestures, it struck me that Darren Millar, the tory mentioned in this piece, does make a gesture and it's the same one made by thatcher, tebbit and the other architects of Section 28. New Conservative? Seems pretty much like the old bunch to me @Outraged. I half agree with you, but as apYrs pointed out, we have been poorly served by the police in previous years, just talk to men who were around prior to the law change in 1967, and many years since. A small gesture, but one that makes me feel happier about dealing with the police.

As for leaving politicians to make these gestures, it struck me that Darren Millar, the tory mentioned in this piece, does make a gesture and it's the same one made by thatcher, tebbit and the other architects of Section 28. New Conservative? Seems pretty much like the old bunch to me

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]]> By: jonnielondon http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43006 jonnielondon Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:56:03 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43006 The Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario, Canada has a pride flag on display in the front entrance. I only wish the police headquarters here had one too! The Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario, Canada has a pride flag on display in the front entrance. I only wish the police headquarters here had one too!

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]]> By: Outraged of Tunbridge Wells http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-43003 Outraged of Tunbridge Wells Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:27:57 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-43003 I go with Rob. This has damn all to do with law enforcement, and lots to do with appeasing the liberals that like to show that they are "in tune" with the right-on agenda. This smacks much the same as the firemen on Pride march a few weeks back. We pay our public servants to get on with their jobs, not act as political tools. Leave the gestures to politicians kissing babies. I go with Rob. This has damn all to do with law enforcement, and lots to do with appeasing the liberals that like to show that they are "in tune" with the right-on agenda.

This smacks much the same as the firemen on Pride march a few weeks back. We pay our public servants to get on with their jobs, not act as political tools.

Leave the gestures to politicians kissing babies.

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]]> By: apYrs http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-42999 apYrs Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:41:36 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-42999 @rob These symbolic gestures cost little to public organisations, and after so many years of being despised by officialdom it gives something back. Also note: ALL central govt departments announce 11am on Armistice day so staff can stop working if they wish. A costly gesture, no? Actually, no. Because certain things need "gestures" @rob
These symbolic gestures cost little to public organisations, and after so many years of being despised by officialdom it gives something back.

Also note: ALL central govt departments announce 11am on Armistice day so staff can stop working if they wish. A costly gesture, no?

Actually, no. Because certain things need "gestures"

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]]> By: Rob Atkins http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-42996 Rob Atkins Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:07:36 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-42996 Or alternatively, some of us would prefer it if our public organisations paid rather less attention to "symbolic acts" and more attention to doing the job we pay them to do. Let individuals make their mores known, not public institutions ! Or alternatively, some of us would prefer it if our public organisations paid rather less attention to "symbolic acts" and more attention to doing the job we pay them to do. Let individuals make their mores known, not public institutions !

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]]> By: apYrs http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-42993 apYrs Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:06:50 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-42993 scratch some Tories and you find an un-reconstructed bigot. David Cameron and his team can work endlessly to try and get our trust, and a couple of backwoods politicians bugger it all up scratch some Tories and you find an un-reconstructed bigot.

David Cameron and his team can work endlessly to try and get our trust, and a couple of backwoods politicians bugger it all up

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]]> By: datch http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html/comment-page-1/#comment-42986 datch Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:26:59 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10994.html#comment-42986 As ever these politicians miss the point by a mile and it just illustrates a simmering homophobia. Flying the rainbow flag may be a gesture, but I don't care - it's a good gesture to make. Thank you North Wales Police! As ever these politicians miss the point by a mile and it just illustrates a simmering homophobia. Flying the rainbow flag may be a gesture, but I don't care – it's a good gesture to make. Thank you North Wales Police!

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