THE rainbow flag, symbolising diversity within the gay community, flies above the town hall today as the town shows its support for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Today’s date (May 17) was chosen because it is the anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

It marked a step towards considering freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity as a basic human right.

A council spokesperson said that while hate crime remains low in St Helens, all those organisations that make up the St Helens Community Safety Partnership (CSP), take it extremely seriously, knowing that it is an under-reported crime. Alongside launching a poster campaign titled ‘No Place For Hate’, St Helens CSP have been working with local schools and the charity Stop Hate UK to raise awareness of hate crime.

Dedicated support is available, whether through the police’s specialist Hate Crime Investigation Unit, (Sigma) based at College Street Police Station, or other organisations such as the fire service, Helena Partnerships and other housing associations.

There are also community groups such as Armistead – 0151 227 1931 and Merseyside In-Trust Network – 0151 928 2233.

Councillor Richard McCauley, cabinet member for Community Safety said: "The police and all community safety partners consider all hate crime to be very serious, including homophobic and transphobic hate crime.

"We know incidents aren’t always reported, whether that’s because victims are fearful of reprisals or don’t trust the authorities. But we have an excellent Hate Crime Team in Merseyside Police, and a 24-hour support line provided by Stop Hate UK.

"If it is happening to you, or someone you know then I urge you to report it. We want to make sure that there is no place for hate in St Helens".

Sergeant Yoseph Al-Ramadhan (St Helens Sigma Unit) added: "We want people to feel confident to report not just hate crimes but also any incident committed against a person or property.

"We can only take action against those who perpetrate homophobic and transphobic hate incidents if people are brave enough to report it to us.

"The police have measures in place to ensure the service they offer is of the highest standard and people should be assured that when a hate crime case is prosecuted; the courts can impose a stronger sentence under powers from the Criminal Justice Act. This reflects the priority placed on these crimes."

Hate crime can either be reported to the police by calling 101 or Stop Hate UK. There are several ways to contact Stop Hate UK: By phone: 0800 138 1625.

Online at www.stophateuk.org/talk.

By email: talk@stophateuk.org.

By text: 07717 989025.