Pride says uniformed officers ban 'disheartening'

York Pride, held in June, is both a celebration and a protest, according to organisers

Pride event organisers have said they are "deeply disappointed" that uniformed police officers will no longer be able to participate.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber said any officer wishing to participate in a parade or protest could do so, but "they must be off duty" and would not be permitted to wear their uniforms.

His remarks followed a High Court ruling that the participation of uniformed Northumbria Police officers in a Newcastle Pride event last year was unlawful.

York Pride chair Greg Stephenson said allowing uniformed officers to take part had served as a "gesture of solidarity with the LGBT+ community".

Mr Forber said the only officers on duty and in uniform at future events would be those "actively engaged in policing the event".

He said: "It is absolutely essential that the police act impartially at all times and are seen to do so by all the communities we serve.

"Participating in protest activity, or parades that support any 'cause' can quite rightly undermine the public's confidence in that impartiality."

In response, York Pride said: "The chief constable's framing of Pride as a 'cause' that police must be seen to remain impartial toward risks mischaracterising what Pride is.

"Pride is, and always has been, both a celebration and a protest - a space where LGBT+ people assert their rights, visibility and dignity."

Police officers have previously taken part in Pride events in uniform

Mr Stephenson said it brought communities together to stand against discrimination, while "recognising the ongoing struggles for equality and justice".

"To suggest that uniformed support for these fundamental values undermines impartiality is not only disheartening - it is regressive."

He also said organisers were "disappointed" the decision was made without consultation with them or other regional LGBT+ organisations, and that the change had "caused distress to many in our community".

He said they had invited North Yorkshire Police to meet with them to discuss how to "move forward constructively".

The move comes in contrast to previous occasions, when officers, PCSOs, special constables, staff and volunteers have paraded and patrolled at York Pride and other Pride events across North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police has been approached by the BBC for further comment.

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