Sir Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has issued a formal apology to the LGBTQ+ community for historical failings in policing. In a letter to activist Peter Tatchell, Rowley acknowledged that the force’s enforcement of laws criminalising homosexuality had “failed the community” and that bias and discrimination had persisted for decades.
Rowley admitted that recent cases of misconduct by officers have revealed “racists, misogynists, homophobes and transphobes” still within the organisation, and pledged to root out those who abuse their positions. He expressed regret for letting down communities and reiterated his commitment to building a new Met that all Londoners can be proud of.
Tatchell, who leads the “ApologiseNow” campaign, hailed the apology as a “groundbreaking step forward” and thanked Rowley for being the first UK police chief to say sorry for the decades-long victimisation of the LGBTQ+ community. He clarified that the campaign seeks an apology for the often illegal and abusive enforcement of the law, not for enforcing it.
The apology follows a damning report by Louise Casey in March, which found racism, misogyny and homophobia within the force. Rowley has sought to modernise the Met amid ongoing scrutiny over its treatment of marginalised communities. He stated that acknowledging failings is an important first step before starting a new chapter.
