The LGBTQ+ community held a peaceful protest last month in response to recent controversial comments made by MP Rachel Maclean. 

The rally was held outside St Stephen's Church by Redditch LGB&TQ Support Services in a show of solidarity with all minority communities on December 17. 

The event comes after MP Rachel Maclean was accused of reposting transphobic remarks towards transgender woman, Melissa Poulton, who is standing as Bromsgrove's Green Party candidate in the next election. 

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ms Maclean reposted a tweet describing the parliamentary candidate as "a man who wears a wig" sparking a huge backlash from the public. 

Redditch Advertiser: The group were protesting in solidarity with all minority groups The group were protesting in solidarity with all minority groups (Image: Redditch Labour Party)

Redditch Labour Party Councillor Joe Baker, who spoke at the rally, said: "The LGBTQ+ community has fought hard throughout history to be recognised and treated with fairness and equality. 

"As a community, we were disappointed and appalled by these transphobic comments which fuelled a torrent of hate on social media. Rachel Maclean refused to apologise for starting this. 

"Hate speech should always be challenged no matter who you are and what position you hold. The rally sent a message to Rachel Maclean that the LGBTQ community would not tolerate her hateful words. 

"The rally was supported by the community and gave transgender residents some comfort that their voices are heard. Transphobic words like those of the MP should always be treated and reported as a hate crime." 

West Mercia Police have since recorded Ms Maclean's post as a 'non-crime hate incident'.

Ms Maclean is challenging the decision and said it “seems wrong and ridiculous” for the police to use NCHI legislation to “record that a woman said a man cannot be a woman or a lesbian.” 

West Mercia Police said it had acted in accordance with the law governing NCHIs.

The force said in a statement: “The incident was logged as a non-crime hate incident (NCHI) as the content of the post was perceived by the person who reported it to be hostile towards the transgender community.

“This caused the person who reported it concern. This is in accordance with the legislation.”