The Arcigay Makwan Provincial Committee is pleased to announce the positive response from the municipal and provincial security bodies of the city of Messina to issues recently raised.
On October 26, 2009, the provincial committee of Arcigay Makwan brought to the attention of Prefect Alecci and the police the dangers of a homophobic climate that, even in Messina, has led to acts of violence that, unfortunately, have remained silent due to the lack of institutional, psychological, and social support capable of guaranteeing the necessary assistance.
The statement also called for increased police surveillance of certain areas commonly frequented by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, as well as a roundtable discussion of the issue.
Following this announcement, the Arcigay Messina Committee itself worked with UNAR (National Unit Against Racial Discrimination) and the Ministry of Equal Opportunities to establish an anti-discrimination observatory for the Messina area, including its provinces.
On January 14, 2010, we were pleased to receive positive feedback from the institutions.
Prefect Alecci urged Police Chief V. Mauro, Provincial Carabinieri Commander M. Mezzavilla, Provincial Financial Police Commander D. Paparoni, and Municipal Police Commander Ferlisi to pay greater attention to these issues.
And, in response to our Anti-Discrimination Observatory project, Prefect Alecci himself officially invited the President of the Regional Province of Messina and the Mayor of the Municipality of Messina to do their utmost to implement this project with the support of local governments.
Pending further developments, the Arcigay Makwan Messina Committee expresses its satisfaction with this positive response from Messina's institutions, continuing to work on the above-mentioned projects.
JOSEPH FRANCO
ARCIGAY MESSINA MAKWAN