The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has joined forces with a Surrey-based gay rights charity in the fight against homophobia.

The CPS, the Government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, will include a page on the website of the charity Gay Surrey, giving advice and guidance to people who have been the victim of a homophobic or transphobic related crime.

The department will also provide sponsorship to the charity’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia event next year.

Portia Ragnauth, the chief crown prosecutor at CPS Surrey said: "Prejudice, discrimination or hatred of members of any part of our community based on their sexual orientation or gender identity has no place in a civilised society.

"We will thoroughly and properly investigate and fairly and vigorously prosecute these hate crimes in our courts.

"We want to help in providing an environment in which those affected by such incidents have the confidence to report what has occurred and support any prosecution that follows by giving their evidence in court.

"We are very pleased to be able to work with Gay Surrey so that we can promote a greater confidence in the criminal justice system."

Gino Meriano, chairman of Gay Surrey, welcomed the support from the CPS and said it was good news for the gay community in Surrey.

He said: "The charity’s continued work in building relationships and partnerships is ever ongoing and I personally welcome the CPS to Gay Surrey.

"For many years now the charity has stood together fighting discrimination in Surrey alongside key partners and to have the CPS join us can only enhance our work and provide a clearer understanding to our rights and protection under the correct circumstances.

"This is fantastic news, not only for the charity but for our community and those who fear hatred and homophobic and transphobic crimes."

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