Essex Reform UK leader says Pride library books could ‘upset’ parents
Peter Harris (Facebook/Peter Harris – Leader of Essex County Council)
The leader of Essex County Council has defended his administration’s review of Pride Month displays in the county’s public libraries, saying some of the books and materials he saw were “inappropriate” and could have been “upsetting” for parents.
Peter Harris, whose Reform UK administration took control of the council on 8 May, told the BBC that the authority is still reviewing its policy on themed library displays after several branches continued marking Pride Month despite guidance issued.
As reported by the BBC, at the start of June, library employees were instructed not to promote events outside their day-to-day activities, following comments from cabinet member Chris Hossack that the council’s 74 libraries would no longer promote themed events. However, libraries, including Chelmsford Central, Writtle and Harlow, still created Pride displays throughout the month. Weeks later, the council clarified there was “no ban” on Pride events in libraries, saying only the social media promotion of some themed days, weeks and months had been paused.
Speaking about the displays to the BBC in a 13 July statement, Harris said libraries should “represent and display things for all residents and not just for something that might be deemed as ideological and something that is potentially upsetting for parents of children”. He added that “some of the items that I saw, I felt were inappropriate”, but did not identify any specific books or displays when asked.
Harris also said future guidance for library staff “needs to be clarified” and that any displays should be “age appropriate.” He confirmed that libraries would continue to recognise occasions such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month and Windrush Day.
The council’s handling of the issue has drawn criticism from opposition councillors and campaigners. Liberal Democrat councillor David King described the administration’s response to Pride materials as “chilling” for LGBTQ+ people who see Pride as an important symbol of belonging and inclusion.
Conservative group leader Lee Scott also disputed Harris’ suggestion that there had been significant public concern, saying no complaints about Pride displays had been received while the Conservatives ran the council. Harris, however, said he had received “countless emails and countless calls” from residents supporting the review.
The issue is expected to be debated at a full Essex County Council meeting today (14 July), where councillors will also receive petitions signed by thousands of residents. Campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex has organised a protest outside County Hall ahead of the meeting, with councillors from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties expected to attend.
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