Pride in London to consult on ‘exclusion’ after controversial UKIP ban
Pride in London could require groups to sign an ‘affirmation’ on LGBT rights in order to march, after controversy over UKIP at this year’s parade.
Pride organisers originally approved plans for the UK Independence Party’s LGBT+ group to march in the parade earlier this year, despite the party’s anti-LGBT manifesto commitments.
Following boycott calls, the Pride in London board reversed its decision and banned UKIP LGBT+, citing “safety” concerns if the group were allowed to march.
Despite the ban, PinkNews followed a contingent of UKIP LGBT+ members who flouted the ban on the day, marching without incident .
Following the long-running controversy, which attracted criticism from all sides, Pride in London has today launched a consultation into its exclusion criteria for future events, alongside proposals for a new system.
Under the proposals, all groups planning to march would be required to sign an affirmation pledging support for LGBT rights and inclusiveness.
It also lists factors that would see groups banned from taking part – including “official statements from the group that are homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, sexist, racist or in any other way discriminatory in intent or impact”, “behaviour at past Pride in London events or Pride events elsewhere that resulted in disruption of the event or offended participants or observers”, or “Statements of intention to disrupt Pride events or undertake actions that would bring Pride into disrepute.”
It is unclear if UKIP LGBT+ would be able to march in future under the new proposals, given they did flout the rules at this year’s event.
A release says: “This year saw controversy around the exclusion of a UKIP LGBT group from the Parade and their forced entry to it on the day.
“The Board of Pride has made extensive statements about the impossible decisions they faced against a background of a sharply divided community.
“The Board of Pride has asked the Community Advisory Board to consult on potential grounds for exclusion of particular groups from Pride events and the process for taking into account the concerns of the community.”
The ‘affirmation‘ that groups must sign is below:
I/We intend to
(a) represent [NAME OF GROUP OR ORGANISATION] on the Pride in London Parade; or
(b) perform or speak at a Pride in London event
in [YEAR].I/We confirm that I/we uphold the values of the global Pride movement of acceptance and inclusion
of all, regardless of race, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual orientation, age,
political affiliation, marital or civil partnership status, or nationality.I/We also confirm that I am/we are taking part in Pride in London in the spirit of collaboration and
mutual support to help promote and further the cause of LGBT+ liberation and campaign for true
equality for all.I/We understand that the following could exclude me/us from taking part in Pride in London:
* Official statements from the group that are homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, sexist, racist or in
any other way discriminatory in intent or impact; and/or
* Behaviour at past Pride in London events or Pride events elsewhere that resulted in disruption of
the event or offended participants or observers; and/or
* Statements of intention to disrupt Pride events or undertake actions that would bring Pride into
disrepute.I/We also understand that, if our inclusion is challenged on any of the above grounds, the independent
Community Advisory Board (the CAB) of Pride in London may undertake a review (which may include
the calling of oral evidence) before advising the Board of Directors (the Board) of Pride in London on
whether we should be permitted to take part in the Parade or any other Pride in London event.I/We have explained the nature and content of this affirmation to all those who will be participating
as part of our group and they have agreed that it binds us jointly and severally.
