Just read an article on BBC News website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7236233.stm), which shows a staggering 7,000 homophobic incidents among police officers last year, ranging from officers refusing to work with Gay Colleagues, right through to gay officers having the bible quoted at them.
The officers in question are using a Legislation designed to protect religious freedoms as their excuse.
Once again, this is simply a demonstration of Religion being where it simply does not belong. I respect all religions, and everyone's choice of religious beliefs, but I want my police force to be completely impartial. If there are homophobic officers in the force, what happens if a gay member of the public has to deal with them? Will they use their religious loophole to enable them to treat this person differently?
Any officer who shows the slightest sign of any intolerance should be severely disciplined. Any other employee showing this behaviour would be guilty of Gross Misconduct and fired immediately. Why should the Police Force be any different?
To any officers, of any creed, colour or persuasion, I say, if you are abused verbally or physically, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY, so the offenders can be dealt with. Only this way will our Police Force once again be just and fair.
The day religion stays in the house of worship and out of the running of countries is the day that we will all get along.
Cheers,
Bearcub