On the International Day Against Homophobia' Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)' 17 May 2011' Caroline Lucas MP and Keith Taylor MEP have expressed concern over the rise in homophobic hate crime in Brighton and Hove.The Argus reported this year that the number of hate crimes in Brighton and Hove dramatically increased between April and November last year. Homophobic attacks reported to the police rose by 42 per cent' with 167 incidents taking place between April and November.
IDAHOBIT saw events held around the world calling for respect for lesbian' gay' bisexual and transgender people worldwide.
Caroline Lucas' MP for Brighton Pavilion' who is co-sponsoring an Early Day Motion calling for greater equality for the LGBT community' said' "The seventh annual International Day Against Homophobia' Biphobia and Transphobia is a great opportunity to raise the rainbow flag in support of the LGBT community here and around the world - and to reaffirm that homophobia and transphobia have absolutely no place in our society.
"The recent rise in the number of homophobic and transphobic attacks reported in Brighton and Hove is cause for real concern' and we must do all we can to ensure that this city is a safe place for everyone."
South East Green Euro-MP Keith Taylor' a member of the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights' said: "I'm deeply concerned by these figures which show a huge increase in homophobic hate crime.
"As a former Green councillor for St Peters & North Laine I'm proud that Brighton has a reputation as a gay-friendly city where lesbians and gay people can feel safe.
He continued: "It's good that people are coming forward and reporting these crimes to the police' but police estimate that about 90 per cent of all hate crime across the country is not reported.
"To see that homophobic violence is taking place' particularly with such frequency' really saddens and angers me.
"I know that the new council will send a strong message that the people of Brighton want to live in a city where no one is afraid to express their identity."
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