Liverpool: Right-wing politician ‘to sue for wrongful arrest’ after rainbow flag complaint
A right-wing candidate who stood for mayor of Liverpool and was arrested by police after complaining about their rainbow flag has said he will sue for wrongful arrest.
Paul Rimmer, of the English Democrats, has already announced his intention to sue the police force for flying a rainbow flag on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in May.
His argument with police over the flag ended with him being arrested and held in cells for six hours.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Mr Rimmer will face no further action from the police.
He had entered a Toxteth police station to complain about the pro-gay symbol and quoted Leviticus to a female duty officer. Leviticus is widely regarded as containing strict censures against homosexuality, in some interpretations recommending the death penalty.
Police have now said Mr Rimmer, 49, will face no further action regarding the incident. He, however, will now sue them, considering himself to have been detained illegally.
Mr Rimmer told the paper: “This completely vindicates my position and I intend to sue for wrongful arrest. It is absurd that you can be arrested for quoting the Bible.”
The right-wing mayoral candidate was already planning to sue Merseyside police force for flying the flag at all, claiming it should have had planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act.
He also believes it may be an act of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation under the Equality Act 2010.
