Row between Glasgow Pride and Glasgow City Council softens
Following a dispute the organisers of Glasgow Pride have welcomed the decision of Glasgow City Council to provide a discount on park hire and infrastructure charges.
He accused the council of failing to provide a discount on equipment hire.
Mr Smith said: “The council have it in their power to apply a 50% discount to all equipment hire, including fencing, bins and basic requirements so the day can run effectively. We object to the council profiteering on Pride, including charging the full amount for the use of Glasgow Green.”
He added: “The barriers and obstacles we have faced from the council have led us to come to the conclusion the council is not PROUD of Pride and it is not PROUD of its LGBT citizens and the contribution they make to city. Pride generates revenue for the city, Pride Glasgow is the biggest LGBT event in Scotland, it should be recognised as an asset to the city, not a burden to be placated with the bare minimum.”
Mr Smith unsuccessfully asked Glasgow City Council not to fly the rainbow flag from its City Chambers as a result of the dispute.
But the council confirmed to PinkNews.co.uk that it had no plans to suspend flying the flag.
A council spokesman stated that a 50% discount would apply to the technical equipment and infrastructure charges and also to the park hire charge.
In a statement on Friday Mr Smith said: “I am delighted by this decision by Glasgow City Council and look forward to building a relationship with them for Pride Glasgow next year, which will take place in the historic year of our wonderful City hosting the Commonwealth Games, we are very much looking forward to Pride Glasgow 2013 being a celebration of the diversity of all that is great about Scotland’s largest and friendliest City.”
Glasgow Pride takes place on Saturday 10 August on Glasgow Green. The singer Heather Small is headlining the festival.
