ESSEX libraries have been ordered not to promote LGBTQ and inclusive pride and events, sparking anger from campaigners. The new Reform UK leadership at Essex County Council has told staff not to promote the inclusive events reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
June is known as pride month, with plenty of LGBTQ pride and other events being held – the event bosses say it’s still vital for inclusivity. A senior councillor says the authority “needs to be careful not to highlight any particular groups or themes”, as staff at the libraries have spoken to campaigners about the change.
A spokesman for Save Our Libraries Essex said: “This is very disturbing and alarming news. What possible reason is there not to display pride promotional material – it’s not as if it’s costing the library service anything – other than pure prejudice? It’s not just bigotry, it’s anti-business. Pride gets people out and spending money in our towns and cities. Where will this end up?”
Shaun Marchant, Green party candidate in the local elections in Braintree, also raised concerns about the ban on libraries displaying or promoting the LGBTQ pride. He added: “What’s next removing of books? I’d love to hear from Reform UK or Essex County Council to justify why this was necessary? His Facebook post has seen more than 518 comments and 77 shares.
It comes after a Facebook user posted online questioning why LGTBQ pride in Chelmsford was needed, showing a poster for the event. A number of others joined the conversation, with some saying the poster should be taken down.
Chris Hossack, Reform UK councillor for residents and community services, at Essex County Council, said: “Our libraries are spaces for everybody, for reading, learning and enjoyment in unity, and their shelves recognise authors and books and resources spanning a huge range of subjects, which we will endeavour to maintain.
“With this in mind, we need to be careful not to highlight any particular groups or themes, so, mindful of this, and unless the activity is specific to libraries, we have taken a decision to pause promotion of such events at libraries via the council’s public-facing communication channels, including social media.”
