LGBT Labour responds to reports of gay men being targeted for DNA samples

In response to the targeting of gay men to supply DNA samples, James Asser, co-chair of LGBTLabour responded:

In response to the targeting of gay men to supply DNA samples, James Asser, co-chair of LGBT Labour responded:

“We are very concerned with reports that gay men who have historic convictions for taking part in consenting acts are being targeted by police to provide DNA samples and threatened with arrest if they refuse.

“LGBT Labour has already raised this with the shadow home affiars team and is contacting the police commissioners in the areas affected to ensure there is not discriminatory targeting of gay men.

“The convictions for ‘gross indecency’ are from a bygone era of gross inequality. We support Yvette Cooper’s call to the Home Secretary to ensure that these men aren’t being unfairly targeted and guidance is being issues to police forces to prevent this happening again.”