WILTSHIRE Police backs this year’s Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, becoming the event’s main sponsor, in the hope of spreading a message of diversity and inclusion.

The force, the Wiltshire Police Federation and Unison Wiltshire Police & Justice are jointly sponsoring the event which will be held in Swindon's Town Gardens on Saturday.

Lee Hare, Unison LGBT officer for Wiltshire, said: “I was delighted when the idea for supporting Pride was agreed by all three police organisations in Wiltshire.

"It is a significant step that reflects the changing times we live in and a significant way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967.

“We have made tremendous steps forward to build a more inclusive and understanding society since the days of 50 plus years ago.

"It may have taken many years but we can look forward to a future that celebrates all areas of equality, diversity and inclusion that sends out a clear message that all forms of hate crime should be left in the past and not tolerated in the present.”

His sentiments were echoed by Police and Crime Angus Macpherson, who said it was important to support events that happen in our community, whether mainstream or minority.

“One of these annual events is Pride, the celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT) community, and a celebration of diversity," he said.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon it is important to me that that the public have confidence in their police service. Part of this is the relationship the police service has with the wide range of communities it serves , and how they the public view officers and staff.

“There is a danger that if people don’t feel a connection with the police officers and staff they won’t have confidence to ask for help when they need it,” he said.

“It is essential that the police service reaches out, interacts, and reflects the diverse communities it serves.

“LGBT is part of the sexual orientation characteristic, and sits alongside the protected characteristics age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, religion or belief. Good work is under way to ensure Wiltshire Police addresses each of these diverse characteristics.

“This weekend I will join many others from across the county in Swindon to celebrate Pride. Although this is a brilliant event that sends a powerful message, sadly there are still some people who are unable to embrace diversity and we still have members of our communities who have experienced hate crime or incidents.

“As the chair of a hate crime group which brings together a wide range of public sector agencies and charities I would like to remind everyone that hate crime will not be tolerated in Wiltshire.

"If anyone in our LGBT community feels they have been the victim of a hate crime or incident, I hope they will have the faith and confidence to come forward and report it, knowing that they will be supported by Wiltshire Police.

“I hope that everyone enjoys the Pride celebrations this weekend.

“I look forward to seeing you there.”