Wolverhampton City Council is set to fly the Rainbow Flag to mark the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Type=image;ImageID=1123;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=;TitleClass=strong; The flag will fly in the Piazza outside the Civic Centre on Friday (17 May).

Councillor Roger Lawrence, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: "I am pleased to fly the flag and show our support for our diverse population in Wolverhampton. 

"The flag celebrates the day, but also reminds us of the importance of publicly condemning hate crimes against people because of their sexual orientation or identity.

"At the city council we are determined to create a welcoming and prosperous city which respects everyone, we hope flying the rainbow flag sends out this clear message.

"We want Wolverhampton to be a place where all communities can live and work peacefully and respectfully together, we hope the rainbow flag will be seen as a small but important part of this intention."

17 May 1990 was the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's international classification of diseases.

It has been marked on this day every year around the world since 2005 to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights to end discrimination based on sexuality and/or gender identity, creating a fairer, more equal society.

  • released: Tuesday 14 May, 2013