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PSNI to refer anti-DUP placard at Belfast Pride to prosecutors

A 'F*** the DUP' banner at London Pride, and Ellie Evans with her similar placard during Belfast Pride
A 'F*** the DUP' banner at London Pride, and Ellie Evans with her similar placard during Belfast Pride A 'F*** the DUP' banner at London Pride, and Ellie Evans with her similar placard during Belfast Pride

THE PSNI intends to send a file to prosecutors over an anti-DUP placard at this year's Belfast Pride march.

The decision was confirmed as it emerges the Metropolitan Police decided not to investigate a similar 'F*** the DUP' message at London Pride.

Scotland Yard yesterday told The Irish News a complaint was received about the banner, but it "did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence".

The PSNI questioned a woman last week about carrying the placard during Belfast's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) pride event in August.

Ellie Evans was interviewed after police received two complaints, including one from DUP assembly member Jim Wells – who asked officers to investigate it as a hate crime.

The 24-year-old accused the PSNI of being "heavy-handed" by showing up at her door and branded it a waste of police resources.

Ms Evans's placard was confiscated on the day of the march by Belfast Pride organisers, who said it breached Parades Commission rules.

A month earlier, a huge balloon-adorned banner with the same 'F*** the DUP' message was prominently displayed during London Pride.

In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "On July 10 an allegation was made to police regarding a placard at the Pride march on July 8.

"An officer informed the complainant that the placard did not meet the threshold for a criminal offence, and whilst the allegation would be recorded it would not be investigated."

LGBT campaigner Gavin Boyd, policy and advocacy manager at the Rainbow Project, questioned the differing approaches.

"We are concerned at the different approach taken by the PSNI when compared with the Met," he said.

"We would ask that the PSNI detail their reasoning as to why they felt there was sufficient evidence of a crime being committed to warrant questioning.

"We would also ask the PSNI whether additional weight was given to the complaint because it came from an elected politician and whether any anti-Pride protesters have ever been questioned about the content of their placards."

However, DUP South Down MLA Mr Wells said he was pleased the PSNI had responded to his complaint after others had raised concerns with him.

Mr Wells said he did not complain about the banner in London, but asked police to probe the Belfast placard.

"I told them that it should be investigated under the hate crime legislation," the former health minister said.

"There are 300,000 people in Northern Ireland who voted DUP in the last election and they have a right to be respected.

"I believe someone's religious opinion and their political viewpoints have a right to be protected."

Asked about the differing approach to Scotland Yard, a PSNI spokesman said: "When any complaint is received PSNI will examine the report and speak to all relevant parties to establish if any offence has been committed.

"In relation to this specific case, enquiries are ongoing and a file will be submitted to the PPS (Public Prosecution Service) in due course."