DERRY, February 7, 2008  –  The home of a gay couple in Greggan, Northern Ireland, has been attacked for the second time in a week.  The attacks are said to be part of a homophobic hate campaign that has been ongoing for three years.

The couple, one of whom is registered disabled, had their window broken last Friday – and then on Monday night their door was kicked in. 

Now the pair, who live in fear after being verbally abused, are considering leaving the home they have shared of 17 years.

The verbal abuse, the Derry gay support group, Rainbow Project says, include threats to burn them out.

Both men have said they have been very happy living in Creggan and have had good neighbours all the time they have lived there.  But now they say they have to really consider leaving for their own safety and mental health.

“We totally condemn this hatred on this couple and appeal to the local community, politicians and community activists in Creggan to work with the Rainbow Project to bring it to an end,” said Rainbow Project’s Sean Morrin last night.

“This couple have lived very happily for many years in Creggan and it would be devastating if they had to leave their home of 17 years due to the actions of a few homophobes who have nothing better to do than attack a disabled man's home.

“Both men are suffering the impact of this hatred to the extent that their physical and mental health is deteriorating,” Mr. Morrin pointed out.

■  The Police Service of Northern Ireland define a homophobic incident to be: 'Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic by the victim or any other person’.  Click HERE for Police Service of Northern Ireland homophobic hate crime page with details of how to report hate crime, including inline.

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Posted: 7 February 2008 at 00:00 (UK time)