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30 July 2019 9:32 AM

Woman arrested over homophobic abuse during east London Pride march

A 38-year-old woman has been taken into custody after footage of the incident was circulated on social media.

By Will Stroude

A 38-year-old woman has been arrested after homophobic abuse was hurled at people taking part in a Pride march in east London.

Waltham Forest Police confirmed on Monday (29 July) that a woman had been taken into custody after footage showing a female wearing a niqab shouting “Shame on you, you despicable people” at Pride-goers was circulated on social media over the weekend.

“Officers investigating footage circulating on social media of abuse directed at those taking part in a Pride event in Waltham Forest have arrested a 38-year-old woman under section 4a of the Public Order Act”, the force tweeted.

“She has been taken into custody at a north London police station.”

The traditional Islamic clothing worn by the woman shouting abuse in the video has sadly led to the incident being jumped upon by far-right commentators including Katie Hopkins, who despite being no friend of the LGBTQ community was happy to use the incident to spout racist and divisive rhetroic on Twitter, writing: “This is Walthamstow Forest in London. 50% ethnic minority (minority?)… Do you see where we are headed yet?”

In response, local Labour MP Stella Creasy shared a picture of LGBTQ Muslims marching in the parade as part of Imaan LGBTQI, an award-winning charity for LGBTQ Muslims, writing: “The side of Walthamstow Pride that Katie Hopkins et al don’t want to acknowledg. [sic]”

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