'I was told to go to hell': Stockport councillor says he suffered broken bones in homophobic attacks

A Stockport councillor has revealed he suffered broken bones after being physically assaulted and subjected to homophobic abuse because of his sexuality.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jamie Hirst, who represents Offerton, spoke about his experiences during a debate on a motion aimed at reaffirming Stockport Council’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The motion, brought forward by the council’s Liberal Democrat leadership, expressed concern that LGBTQ+ people in the borough are facing increasing hostility and called for further action to support the community.

Speaking at a full council meeting on 9 July, Cllr Hirst said the motion was “about making sure families like mine never have to justify their existence again”.

He told councillors he had suffered physical attacks in the past that left him with broken bones and had been told by strangers that he was “sick, depraved, and going to hell”.

Despite significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality, Cllr Hirst said discrimination remained a problem and had worsened in recent years.

“Over the last few years and particularly over the last few months people have felt perfectly entitled once again to tell me I should go to hell, gay people shouldn’t have children, that children would be better off without parents like me,” he said.

The councillor added that the debate was not about seeking special treatment but protecting hard-won rights.

“It isn’t about special treatment. It’s about protecting the progress that people fought for, and making sure we do not step backwards,” he said.

Ahead of the meeting, Stephen Bowyer, chair of Stockport Pride, said members of the LGBTQ+ community continued to face hostility as debates around LGBTQ+ rights became increasingly polarised.

He said the organisation regularly encountered abusive comments on social media, including “slurs, insults, harassment, stereotyping, misinformation and threats”.

Mr Bowyer added that many LGBTQ+ residents still altered their behaviour because of concerns about discrimination. “Many are reluctant to hold their partner’s hand in public because they fear harassment. Others avoid using public toilets because they do not feel safe,” he said.

He welcomed the council’s backing, saying it sent a clear message that Stockport was a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.

The motion was overwhelmingly approved by councillors.

Council leader Mark Roberts said he hoped the vote would send “a very clear message” that Stockport remained an open and inclusive borough.

However, Reform UK group leader Brian Battle said he could not support the motion, arguing that discrimination should be tackled across the board and criticising what he described as a “complex and badly worded motion”.

Cllr Battle said some members of his party had also experienced intimidation and unfair scrutiny, although he acknowledged the historic discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people, including members of the armed forces.

His comments drew criticism from other councillors. Labour’s James Frizzell said the remarks had “got no place in this council chamber”, while Cllr Laura Clingan said ongoing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remained deeply troubling.

Speaking as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Cllr Clingan added: “Maybe Councillor Battle needs to understand not everyone is marginalised and the LGBTQ+ community are targeted purely because of who they are.”