Thousands crowded into London's
Trafalgar Square Friday night to remember the victims of anti-gay
attacks, the BBC reported.
The vigil was prompted by two recent
incidents, one of which left a man dead.
Family and friends of Ian Baynham, 62,
turned out to condemn the September 25 beating that took his life.
Police believe Baynham was severely beaten because he was gay. He
survived the beating but died two weeks later in the hospital from
his injuries.
The thousands listened to speakers just
blocks from where Baynham was attacked.
Tributes were also paid to James
Parkes, a trainee policeman severely beaten by up to 20 youths last
Sunday. The 22-year-old was released from the hospital Friday after
being treated for multiple skull fractures, a fractured eye socket
and a broken cheekbone.
Parkes was leaving a popular gay
nightspot near Trafalgar Square with his partner, Tom Downey, when
the pair were attacked. Police have collared 12 boys in connection
with the attack.
A second vigil for Parkes will take
place on Sunday in Stanley Street near the scene of the attack.
Gay bashing incidents in London are on
the rise; an average of almost 3 per day, police report. Mourners
said they were taking a stand against hate.