Royal British Legion defends Pride poppy as Reform UK councillor slams ‘woke virtue signalling’
The Royal British Legion’s Pride poppy badge (RBL)
The Royal British Legion has defended its Pride poppy badge after Reform UK councillor Joseph Boam accused the charity of “politicising remembrance” and dismissed the symbol as performative, politically correct posturing in a Facebook post.
Boam, who represents Whitwick ward on Leicestershire County Council, criticised the Royal British Legion after it included an LGBTQ+ Pride badge in its online shop. “The Royal British Legion has politicised remembrance of our war dead,” he wrote, before adding: “Who else has had enough of this woke virtue signalling c***!”
He also wrote: “This is an insult to every veteran who wore the poppy with pride. I am deeply disappointed.” Boam added: “People support the Poppy Appeal every year to honour those who served. Not to push political agendas.”
What did the Royal British Legion say about the Pride poppy badge?
The Royal British Legion told LBC the badge is meant as a sign of solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Armed Forces personnel who have faced discrimination or marginalisation because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The RBL Poppy Pride Badge shows support for those who have faced discrimination or marginalisation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly those who served under the pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel in the British Armed Forces,” the charity said.
It added: “Providing visible symbols of support for the LGBTQIA+ Armed Forces community is an important show of allyship and a demonstration that the RBL is a safe and inclusive space.”
In 2000, the British Armed Forces ended the prohibition that prevented LGBT personnel from serving openly.
The Royal British Legion is a major UK charity supporting members and veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families. It runs the annual Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday, with the red poppy widely used as a symbol of remembrance in the UK.
Joseph Boam faces conduct hearings
On Friday, 30 October, Boam is scheduled to attend two separate conduct hearings at Leicestershire County Council over complaints about his conduct. The complaints are separate from his comments about the Pride poppy badge.
In 2022, the Royal British Legion apologised for historic discrimination against LGBT+ veterans, a move that was praised by campaigners.
