Crowds gather for London hate crime vigil
November 2nd, 2009
Thousands of people gathered on Saturday night in Trafalgar Square, London, in a vigil for the victims of homophobic attacks.
A two-minute silence was held for Ian Baynham, a 62-year old man who died of brain damage two weeks after suffering a homophobic attack in Trafalgar Square on 25 September 2009.
Other hate crime victims were also remembered, including 22-year old police officer James Parkes who is still in hospital after being attacked by up to 20 people outside a gay bar in Liverpool last week.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a message of solidarity to the vigil, and his wife Sarah Brown attended the event.
Those attending the two-hour event lit candles spelling out the words ‘No to hate’ and heard speeches from Ian’s friends and relatives, Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes, Chris Bryant MP, Maria Eagle MP, Stephen K Amos, Sue Perkins and Sandi Toksvig, who hosted the event.
Vigils were also held in Manchester, Brighton, Liverpool and Norwich.
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