In a significant step towards acknowledging the painful legacy of past injustices, the head of South Yorkshire Police, Lauren Poultney, has issued an apology to the LGBTQ+ community for the enduring harm inflicted by historical homophobic practices within the force. This heartfelt apology comes as the third force to do so, following a nationwide initiative spearheaded by LGBTQ+ rights activist Peter Tatchell.
Poultney conveyed her sincere remorse to Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ youth charity, SAYiT, through an email that underscored her commitment to change and understanding. Reflecting on the policing approach of the 1980s and early 1990s, Poultney acknowledged the distress caused and expressed her deep regret for the resulting impact on individuals’ perception of law enforcement and society at large.
The campaign for police accountability and reconciliation was initiated by the Peter Tatchell Foundation in June, urging police chiefs across the UK to take responsibility for past injustices suffered by the LGBTQ+ community. The apology from South Yorkshire Police adds to the growing momentum, as the Metropolitan Police and Sussex Police have already tendered their regrets in alignment with this campaign.
Peter Tatchell praised Poultney’s swift and unreserved apology, noting that such acts of contrition contribute to healing the wounds of the past and fostering greater trust between the LGBTQ+ community and the police force. With this gesture, it is hoped that affected individuals will feel emboldened to report instances of hate crime, domestic violence, and sexual assault, confident in the prospect of a more inclusive and just future.
This apology from South Yorkshire Police, along with similar acknowledgments, stands as a testament to the power of accountability and serves as a cornerstone for a more inclusive and empathetic relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.