County council building in Durrington will fly the Rainbow Flag

The colours will be hoisted outside Centenary House, in Durrington Lane, to show West Sussex County Council’s support for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17.

West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “The county council will be flying the Rainbow Flag to show our support for all LGBT communities.

“It is also a good chance to demonstrate how we are opposed to all forms of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or hate crime.”

The international day has been held since 2004, and May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Events are expected to be held in around 120 countries, involving governments, LGBT organisations, human rights groups and celebrities.

The council, which has been recognised by Stonewall as one of the UK’s top 100 LGBT­friendly employers, will fly the flag at all council buildings with a flagpole.

To report a hate crime telephone the Hate Incident Reporting Line on 0845 0751 021 or email [email protected]