Leeds Pride reverses controversial new policy forbidding ‘political opinions’ after backlash
A Pride event in England. (Getty)
Leeds Pride has backtracked on a code of conduct policy that forbid “political opinions” after receiving criticism.
The Yorkshire-based Pride organisation, which is hosting its 2024 event on 21 July, told PinkNews that it had removed a point in its code of conduct after an LGBTQ+ group refused to participate in the protest.
In a section on the Leeds Pride Parade 2024 guidance document, which details terms and conditions for individuals and walking groups entering the event, the organisation wrote that comments about “specific individuals, beliefs, or political opinions are strictly forbidden.”
“Religious material is acceptable but must be respectful, positive, and considerate of others’ beliefs,” the point continued. “Clearance from Leeds Pride is required for any religious material or imagery.”
A further point in the document states that failure to comply with the organisation’s code of conduct would lead to a group of individuals’ removal if the behaviour is “deemed offensive, poses risks … or hinders parade progress.”
The policy point was spotted by activist group Dirt Dykes who made a post vowing to boycott Leeds Pride.
“We contacted Leeds Pride, concerned about what this meant, and this lead to a few days of back and forth emails,” Dirt Dykes wrote. “They eventually stopped replying to us, leaving many of our questions unanswered.
“Whilst as an organisation we have chosen to march in previous years despite having concerns regarding some of Leeds Pride’s practices, this year we have made the decision to take a stand.”
The group said that it would not be marching at Leeds Pride, adding that it believes Pride should be an opportunity to “advocate for collective liberation and wider causes … without fear of being prevented from marching.”
Instead, it would be attending a club night event on 19 July so that “Dykes can feel safe to celebrate themselves over Pride weekend.”
Dirt Dykes remains committed to Leeds Pride boycott
Following a comment request from PinkNews Leeds Pride refused to send an official statement, but claimed it had been in discussions with Dirt Dykes over the issue, and that it made clear to them that they would be welcomed at this year’s parade.
Dirt Dykes refuted this after responding to a comment request from PinkNews, arguing that Leeds Pride had not made a sufficient effort to address its problems with the policy, claiming that it was only amended after parade applications had been closed.
In an email exchange shared with PinkNews, Leeds Pride wrote to Dirt Dykes on the policy that it would “assess the materials and messages being promoted” before groups were allowed to enter the Leeds Pride parade.
“Leeds Pride is an event centred around LGBTQ+ Equality, and participants are requested to honour this theme by refraining from promoting causes unrelated to it.”
In response, Dirt Dykes wrote that it was “concerned” over the policy since it would be “alienating” to LGBTQ+ activists.
“For example, the policy makes it clear that ‘comments about specific individuals are strictly forbidden’ – it doesn’t make it clear that it’s forbidden unless it’s about Dr. Hilary Cass or anyone else responsible for taking away LGBTQ+ rights,” Dirt Dykes wrote.
“It also makes it clear that ‘comments about specific political opinions are strictly forbidden’, so why then are we able to make comments at all about the political parties in power and political opinions people in those parties hold?”
The group expressed particular concern over Leeds Pride’s response, saying that it was contradictory to the idea of LGBTQ+ liberation as part of collective liberation.
“There are LGBTQ+ people in so many different communities both in the UK, and across the world that people may want to choose the march to protest for – how is it being policed, and who is policing whether or not something is an LGBTQ+ related issue?”
Responding to the query, Leeds Pride wrote that it remains committed to its focus on “LGBTQ+ issues,” asking Dirt Dykes to share its specific plans in the march to clarify whether they are “acceptable.”
“In previous years there have been instances where groups, companies and organisations have attempted to enter the parade and express different messages to our values. These will be monitored on the day by our event managers.”
After arguing again that Leeds Pride did not answer its concerns, Dirt Dykes claimed it had not received a response from the organisation.
