Activist Peter Thatchell is planning to continue to campaign on Paul O'Grady's behalf to get an apology from police for harassment he experienced in the 1980s.
The campaigner appeared on Good Morning Britain to pay tribute to the star after he passed away suddenly aged 67.
Peter said he wants to continue Paul's campaign to get an apology from the police for the decades of harassment and victimisation of LGBT+ people.
Speaking about his dear friend on the show, he said: "He was such a kind person, anybody in trouble, anybody had a need, if Paul was around he'd try and do his best to help. And, my heart goes out to Paul's husband, Andre and everyone who knew and loved him.
"He was a great, wonderful person, so kind and compassionate and he was a great entertainer, a great comedian. But he was also a much admired campaigner for animal rights and for LGBT+ equality.
"In 1987, he was doing a gig at the gay pub in London the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, when the police did one of their routine raids."
Martin Lewis then asked why the raid had taken place while Peter explained: "Back in the 1980s and beyond, the police were targeting the LGBT+ community. It was pure homophobia, there'd been a partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, but not a full decriminalisation in England, Wales until 2003.
"When he went on stage, he saw the police manhandling the customers wearing rubber gloves, because this is the height of the AIDS pandemic and ignorant and bigoted police believe that if you touched a gay man, you would get HIV," he continued.
"So he shouted out to the coppers, 'Oh good, you're here, you can help with the washing up.'"
He then went on to say that he is going to continue his campaign to get an apology from the police in honour of his good friend.
Paul's husband confirmed that he died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday evening.
Andre Portasio said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
