MARCHERS of all ages united to send a clear message to homophobic thugs that they are not wanted in Liverpool.
More than 1500 people braved wintry conditions to join yesterday’s march in the city centre.
It was organised following a spate of “gay bashing” attacks in Liverpool, with the murder of gay teenager Michael Causer and the assault on Merseyside Police constable James Parkes, 22, who was left fighting for his life after a beating outside Superstar Boudoir, on Stanley Street, last month.
Among those attending the march yesterday was Michael’s mum Marie, from Whiston.
She said: “It’s been a fantastic turn-out. This is what we need.
“We’re here to get the message across that enough is enough and that homophobia isn’t acceptable, not here, not anywhere.
“It’s to unite everyone and show that we’re all equal, nobody’s any different. People can be what they want to be and wear what they want to wear.
“My son was murdered for being what he was and for living the life he wanted to live.”
Michael’s killer was sentenced on the basis it was not a hate crime but his family have always believed he died because of his sexuality.
The marchers gathered at St George’s Plateau before following a route through the city centre to the New Picket, off Jamaica Street, where they heard speeches.
