CPS to consider charges over homophobic sign
Police have sent a file to the Crown Prosecution Service after investigating a homophobic sign that was put up outside a Wiltshire pub.
The new landlord of the Anchor and Hope in Trowbridge was questioned over the sign, which appeared three weeks ago promoting the pub’s reopening.
The pub’s former landlords John Williams, and his 26-year-old partner Lee, believe the sign, which read ‘faggots and mince not on the menu’, refers to them and have made a formal complaint to police.
Inspector Dave Cullop, of Trowbridge Police, told the Wiltshire Times: “A man from Trowbridge has been interviewed by police and a file is being prepared for the CPS.”
Gay equality group Stonewall said the sign could breach new equality laws which came into force on April 30.
Mr Williams and his partner left the pub in September after 15 months at the helm.
He told the Wiltshire Times of his disgust, after seeing the sign.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was fuming. That is taking the mickey out of every gay person in the town,” he said.
“We didn’t run a gay pub, but it wouldn’t matter if we did. We have never even spoken to these people.
“I think it’s disgusting because we are not a disease. We are recognised in law now; we have equal rights and can take part in civil ceremonies.
“I thought we were past all this. This is going back to the dark ages. It is discrimination against us and everyone else who used the pub.”
The pub building is owned by Criterion Asset Management in Oxford but is leased by Roman Inns.
