Large turnout for vigil against hate crime in Trafalgar Square

Tonight's vigil against hate crime had an excellent turnout, with Trafalgar Square packed with people holding candles.

Held in response to the murder of Ian Baynham, those present heard speeches from a number of supporters, including Darren Johnson MEP, a representative from London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and Europe Minister Chris Bryant.

A sea of candles was laid out near Nelson's column, and some were also used to spell out "No". No to hate crime and homophobia.

At nine o' clock, a two minutes' silence was held before comedian Sue Perkins read out the names of some of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual people murdered in Britain in the past ten years.

Comedian Stephen K.Amos ended the event by reminding those present that "we shall overcome", before the Gay Men's Chorus sang You'll Never Walk Alone, a beautiful end to the vigil.

Pinknews.co.uk reports that 1,192 homophobic offences were recorded between September 2008 and September 2009, showing how much there is to overcome.

The London vigil was organised by 17-24-30, whose name remembers the three bombings carried out against the gay community by nail bomber David Copeland in 1999.

Liverppol vigil in response to homophobic attack on PC James Parks:

A vigil will be taking place in Liverpool on Sunday 1st November outside Superstar Boudoir in Stanley Street, where trainee police officer James Parks was attacked on Sunday 25th October.

The vigil is organised by the Friends of Liverpool Gay Community and Scene, and will begin at 8pm.