The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, issued a formal apology to prominent LGBT+ campaigner Peter Tatchell, acknowledging the force’s past homophobic failings. In what has been hailed as a significant step forward, Sir Mark’s letter expressed regret to “all of the communities we have let down.” This apology comes in the wake of a damning report by Baroness Casey earlier this year, which exposed instances of racism, misogyny, and homophobia within the Met Police.
Mr. Tatchell welcomed the apology, stating that it symbolically marks a turning point in the Met’s treatment of the LGBT+ community, effectively drawing a line under past persecution. The timing of the apology coincided with the launch of the Peter Tatchell Foundation’s campaign, urging police chiefs across the UK to apologize for the decades-long victimization of the LGBT+ community.
Sir Mark’s letter acknowledged the presence of biased systems and discriminatory processes that have influenced the policing of London’s communities and the treatment of officers and staff for many decades. He highlighted recent cases of appalling behavior by some officers, revealing the continued existence of individuals within the organization who harbor racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and transphobic views. The Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to root out those corrupting and abusing their positions.
Expressing his commitment to rectifying past failings, Sir Mark conveyed his heartfelt apologies to all communities let down by the Met Police and expressed his determination to build a new force that all Londoners can take pride in and trust. In response, Mr. Tatchell expressed gratitude to Sir Mark for being the first UK police chief to apologize, expressing hope that the apology would inspire other police forces to follow suit. He believed that this crucial step would help strengthen trust and confidence in the police among the LGBT+ community, encouraging them to report hate crimes, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
The launch event of the #ApologizeNow campaign, organized by the Peter Tatchell Foundation, received support from the late television star Paul O’Grady, who passionately urged the police to apologize for the mistreatment and abuse suffered by LGBT+ individuals. In an emotional video, O’Grady highlighted the often abusive and sometimes illegal conduct of the police towards the community.
Peter Tatchell’s lifelong commitment to human rights activism spans several decades and continents. Originally from Australia, he has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Aboriginal people and continued his activism after relocating to London in the 1970s. Over the years, he has protested against figures like boxer Mike Tyson, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey. Notably, in 1999, he attempted a citizen’s arrest on former Zimbabwean prime minister Robert Mugabe for his human rights abuses, an act that resulted in a severe beating by Mugabe’s bodyguards. Since 2011, he has served as the director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, furthering his dedication to human rights causes.
The apology from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner represents a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and fostering a more inclusive and trusting relationship between the LGBT+ community and the police. By acknowledging the systemic failures and committing to change, the Met aims to create a new standard that ensures equality, respect, and fairness for all Londoners.