The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, will be the keynote speaker at a conference of gay police officers from across Europe which is being held tomorrow (June 30) and Friday.

And on Saturday, over 200 police in uniform from the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA will be joining the Pride London Parade – probably the largest-ever gathering of international uniformed gay officers ever.

Over two days ‘Celebrate’ will bring together lesbian and gay police officers from across Europe and the world, key decision makers in the police service and representatives of LGBT community organisations to discuss issues impacting gay police officers and staff and the LGBT communities they serve.

‘Celebrate’ is being hosted by the UK GPA (Gay Police Association), which itself marks 15 years of progress in the promotion of equality for gay police officers and police staff.

Other speakers at the conference include Peter Fahy, Chief Constable, Cheshire Constabulary; Martin Stuart, Acting Chief Constable, Bedfordshire Police; Ray Powell, President, National Black Police Association;  Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police; Nick Hardwick, Chair, Independent Police Complaints Commission; Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive, Stonewall; and Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Activist

Day One of the conference will also see the official launch of a joint GPA, Association of Chief Police Officers national initiative on sexual orientation monitoring for police officers and staff.

LINKS

Gay Police Association website

29 June  2005