There is no place for anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred in Northern Ireland.

The Rainbow Project has responded to the news regarding a security alert in Portrush, County Antrim yesterday evening, where a suspicious item wrapped in a Pride flag was left at a home address. The PSNI are treating the incident as a hate crime. “We are deeply concerned to hear the reports of a security incident in Portrush last night where two suspicious objects were allegedly wrapped in a pride flag. Our thoughts are with all those caught up in this incident.We understand the alarm this incident will cause to LGBTQIA+ communities in Northern Ireland, and will be working to understand what has happened by liaising with the relevant authorities.At a time when anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crime in Northern Ireland is at its highest ever recorded level, we are committed to working with partners and communities to build trust, understanding and respect. Help and support are available should anyone require it, more information is on our website www.rainbow-project.org.There is no place for anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred in Northern Ireland.”