News Articles
22 November, 2004
Policewoman was "sacked over sexuality"
Source: uk.gay.com by Ben Townley
A leading policewoman is taking her employers to court, claiming she was forced out of her job because of her sexuality.
Chief Superintendent Patsy Lord claimed West Mercia Police encouraged her to retire after taking offence at her being a lesbian. She says this is despite her work on high profile cases and her career success.
The case comes after Lord was faced with an inquiry into bullying. Despite the inquiry clearing her of the accusations, and being attacked for wasting valuable police time, Lord says she was never given her former job back.
Speaking to the local press this weekend, Lord said she was "devastated" by the decision not to reinstate her, and was angry at being told she would be "forcibly retired".
"I'm absolutely devastated because I loved my job," she told the Sunday Mercury.
"Helping the community and working for the force have been my life."
Her lawyers say that the case is a result of sexism and homophobia in West Mercia Police.
"We allege that she has been discriminated against because she's a woman and also because of her sexual orientation," her lawyer Ian Lewis said.
"We would argue that if a man had been carrying out their duties in the way it is claimed Miss Lord did, then he would be regarded as acting positively and with strength."
"But a woman acting the same way is regarded as a bully."
Her treatment has also been condemned by the Superintendents Association, which attacked the original inquiry.
The news comes despite gains apparently being made in how the country's police forces perceive lesbian and gay people.
Individual forces across the country have begun implementing strategies which they believe will not only help them engage with the external LGBT community, but also work internally with their own gay staff.
Additionally, lesbian and gay officers are meeting in New Scotland Yard today, at a conference intended to share information on how to improve internal attitudes and fight discrimination.
Meanwhile, Lord's case is expected to go to court next year.
