same sex relationships, Liverpool was one of the first local authorities to grant commitment ceremonies for gay couples at its municipal Register office. Despite not granting legal rights at the time, in 2005, the city became the first ever UK local authority to include a gay couple on the front cover of its civil ceremony promotional material. A report in 2006 into the experience of LGBTQ+ people living, working, studying and socialising in Liverpool found that of the 210 that took part in the survey 59% had experienced homophobic crime within the Liverpool area. This was significantly higher than in London which reported a hate incidence rate of 47%. 2004–2006 Liverpool Gay Tourism Guides In preparation for Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year, local gay scene reporter Richie Wright researched and produced Liverpool's very first gay tourism guide in conjunction with Liverpool Culture Company. In August 2004, 2500 booklets were distributed in gay venues around the North West of England and it was requested as far as the Chamber of Commerce in New York. In 2005, Richie Wright was re-commissioned to produce a second guide which went on to have a total print run of 10,000 copies. Both guides informed readers on Liverpool's LGBT friendly businesses and community. 2008 European Capital of Culture In 2008, Liverpool held the yearlong title as European Capital of Culture and with the cultural credentials of the city under the spotlight, the LGBT community had begun to question its place in the overall context. Liverpool had successfully celebrated Homotopia and Outsiders for several years, but questions were still being raised as to how 'gay friendly' the area was and why the city was still the largest in Britain to not hold a Pride. The complexities associated with Liverpool were under scrutiny and reasons as to why the city had not moved forward were explored. Theories included that the city was 'old fashioned, shackled by nostalgia, rough, macho, and submerged by Roman Catholicism'. Later that year, Liverpool's LGBT Network was established and brought together local individuals and organisations. The venture intended the gay community to be more visible, inclusive and gain a greater role in local decisions. Its key campaigns were to develop Liverpool Pride as well as tackling homophobia in the region. 2008–2009 Michael Causer and James Parkes attacks In the same year Liverpool celebrated Capital of Culture, the homophobic murder of 18-year-old Michael Causer