Gay Man Detained In Airport On Suspicion Of Pedophilia — Because He Had A Camera
A gay man was detained in London’s Gatwick airport, suspected of pedophilia, because an inspector noticed he was traveling with his boyfriend, and because he had a camera. The inspection — which included public display of the contents of the man’s luggage — found no evidence of pedophilia, but the inspector did learn the traveler was HIV-positive, which he loudly announced to his co-worker, which elicited a rather ugly response.
Pink News reports:
The report outlined the details: “The passenger was stopped and asked routine questions about their trip. When the officer indicated they wished to search the baggage, the passenger requested that this be done in a more private place. This request and a further request on this issue were refused. The contents of the passenger’s bag were then openly displayed including photographic equipment.
“The officer subsequently left the passenger to undertake background checks and later emerged signalling that the passenger could continue on their way.
“The officer then commented to another officer that the passenger was HIV positive; the colleague then advised that the searching officer should use stronger hand gel. These comments were made within earshot of the passenger and indeed other passengers in the channel.
“When subsequently asked why this passenger had been stopped immediately after this interaction, the officer commented that the passenger ‘looked like he might be involved in paedophilia’ and then went on to say that ‘the presence of the camera and the fact he had a boyfriend confirmed this’ (no photos were examined).
“Notebook records of this exchange were not kept although the passenger was delayed by almost 30 minutes.â€
The report said the selection of the passenger was “inappropriate†and the behaviour of staff “unprofessionalâ€, as part of a larger critique of practices at Gatwick airport last year which found that of 108 recorded searches, 71 percent were not justified.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.