Acting Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Scott Green, has taken the unprecedented step of issuing a public apology for the force's historic mistreatment of LGBTQ+ communities, marking a landmark moment in the region's policing history. The apology, delivered in a letter to Birmingham Pride, acknowledges that laws were wrongly used to target gay and bisexual men, particularly between the 1970s and early 2000s, causing lasting harm.
Apology Follows Years of Campaigning
Lawrence Barton, director of Birmingham Pride, who has personally lobbied multiple chief constables over many years for such an admission, described the apology as "incredibly moving and vital." He said it was a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the West Midlands.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in 2003. Until then, strict laws forced many gay people into secrecy or shame. Acting CC Green said he was "deeply saddened" by the trauma experienced by individuals due to police actions that were "inappropriate, discriminatory, and fell short of the standards any member of the public should expect."
Full Text of the Apology Letter
In his letter, Green wrote: "I recognise laws were historically wrongly used to proactively target members of the LGBTQ+ community, in particular gay and bi-sexual men, and that this ruined lives having a lasting negative impact. As a result, people did not feel they could be open to be who they were or about the people they loved for fear they would be arrested and sent to prison."
He added: "This was completely wrong and for this I would like to extend a sincere apology for any recent and historic injustices and discrimination that members of LGBTQ+ communities in the West Midlands have faced."
Commitment to Change
Green, who took up his role in January, emphasised that he "owns and is responsible for the past, present and future of the force." He said: "While I cannot right the wrongs of the past, I can offer my sincere regret and acknowledge the impact actions have had." He committed to rebuilding relationships and ensuring policing "without fear or favour" going forward.
The force has since implemented a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy, with six pillars focused on protected characteristics, each led by an Assistant Chief Constable. Hate crime reporting has increased, and Green noted that specialist detective oversight now ensures thorough investigations.
Community Reaction
Lawrence Barton said: "This is a moment we have pressed for over many years. It is incredibly moving and vital for the community. We hope this marks the start of a new relationship with the police."
Green concluded his letter by saying: "I hope that from this letter you will recognise that this is not simply words of apology but a heartfelt desire, on behalf of our force, to proactively build a positive relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and allies."
