Reform-led Staffordshire council won’t feature Pride displays in libraries
Pride flags in a library (stock image via Getty Images)
Staffordshire County Council, which is led by Reform, has announced that it won’t be featuring any LGBTQ+ Pride displays in its libraries.
The authority said instead that libraries will focus on reading, learning and council services.
Following complaints that Pride-related displays and activities had been removed during June, the council explained that it is implementing a “consistent approach” across its libraries. Deputy council leader, Hayley Coles said: “Displays will focus on the core library offer, local services, reading and learning. Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone.”
LGBTQ+ books and other materials are still available, according to the authority, although there were claims that they had been removed.
The council’s response comes after nine Staffordshire MPs had called for the decision to remove the displays to be reversed by signing an open letter. In this letter, MPs asked if the same approach would be used for other events, such as Black History Month, reports BBC News.
‘Vile decision’
In the letter, which was addressed to council leader Martin Murray, the MPs wrote: “Taking down displays would send a clear and harmful message to LGBTQ+ library users and staff: that their stories and community do not deserve to be celebrated – or even acknowledged – in public spaces.”
Staffordshire Pride also commented on the move, calling it a “vile decision”. It also highlighted that the removal of Pride displays could send the message that LGBTQ+ stories and experiences are not suitable for public spaces.
In a letter addressed to the leader of the council Jack Taylor-Walker, the chairman of Stafford Pride, said: “The LGBTQ+ community has fought for years for the rights of the community and we will not stop. It is therefore without further delay you must overturn this vile decision and apologise to not only our community but your library staff and volunteers.”
This decision follows several other Reform-led councils, including Warwickshire and Kent, announcing similar decisions within their libraries over the last year.
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