AFTER recent controversial comments by town MP Rachel Maclean, the Redditch LGBTQ+ Community and friends held a peaceful protest in solidarity for all minority groups.
The get-together took place last weekend outside St Stephen’s Church on Church Green.
A LGBTQ+ spokesperson said: “Hateful words and posts should not be tolerated in our society.
“Of course Rachel Maclean is entitled to her opinions, but when that opinion promotes hate and division, then it needs to be challenged, and in her position she should know better.
“This protest is to show her we will not tolerate the division she is trying to create, but show her we are united in one voice of support for all in our community.”
“The rally as expected was peaceful and the speakers spoke with courage and conviction.
“Thank you to all the groups that attended to support the LGBTQ+ Community today.
“Thanks also to everyone who came to show support.”
West Mercia Police recorded a ‘hate incident’ against former Home Office minister Mrs Maclean after she shared a post that described a trans woman as a ‘man in a wig’.
Officers put the controversial remarks on file following a complaint about her language by Melissa Poulton, who is standing as a Green Party candidate at the next election.
However, Mrs Maclean said on X (formerly Twitter) that she disputed the decision and would be seeking to appeal.
She said: “Our local police are exceptionally good.
“However, they have recorded a non-crime hate incident against me which I am challenging.
“As a former Home Office minister, I was involved in changing rules to bring in common sense and proportionality.”
