Since last year, there has been a 12% rise in the number of homophobic incidents reported to the PSNI

The figures jumped from 294 in 2013/2014 to 329 in 2014/2015.

Responding to this announcement, Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane said to the Newry Times, that there can be no tolerance of homophobic crimes in our society.

“I am however pleased that there has also been a similar rise in the outcome rate in the cases of homophobic crime.” she said.

“In recent years we have seen great strides in bringing equality to the LGB&T community and attitudes in society are changing for the positive yet we still have people being targeted for their sexuality.

“There can be no tolerance of homophobic, or other hate crimes in our society and I would appeal to people to report any such incidents to the PSNI.

Ruane added, “This is not an issue for the LGBT community alone as we all have a responsibility to protect our fellow citizens from attacks or bullying and only when everyone stands up together will we see a reduction in these type of crimes.”