THERE is no place in society for anti-gay slurs or homophobic abuse.

It is absolutely reprehensible that Labour MP for Kemptown, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, was subjected to a tirade of abuse simply because he kissed his boyfriend in St James’s Street as a token of affection for his partner.

It is unbelievable that two yobs found it offensive and voiced their displeasure so forcibly that Mr Russell-Moyle’s partner felt so threatened that he hailed a cab to ensure his own safety and the MP sought sanctuary in a bar.

Brighton and Hove is renowned as a city of tolerance and acceptance and unsavoury incidents like this, although rare, still come as an unpleasant shock.

>> Brighton MP LLoyd Russell-Moyle ‘threatened’ after kissing his boyfriend

Mr Russell-Moyle has done plenty of great work in support of the LGBT community and few who saw it will ever forget the incredibly touching speech he made in Parliament when he revealed he had the HIV virus.

It is only a few months since the city’s Pride event took place when people thronged the streets to celebrate, culminating in Kylie Minogue’s wonderful concert at Preston Park.

So, to see incidents like this still occurring in the 21st century is beyond sad.

There has to be a zero tolerance policy when it comes to homophobic or racist abuse and perpetrators, when caught, must face the full force of the law.

Anyone on the receiving end of such abuse must report it to the police so that hopefully the strongest possible action can be taken.

Mr Russell-Moyle was understandably shocked by what happened and so should every decent resident of the city.