Pride in Luton has announced it will not allow political parties or their officials to attend this year’s festival in any professional capacity, including speaking from the main stage.
Organisers say the move comes after listening to feedback from the local LGBTQ+ community and in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, which has intensified national debate around trans rights.
The fourth annual festival is set to take place in the Hat District on Saturday June 14 between 1-8pm and in a statement, the Pride in Luton committee wrote on social media: “Pride in Luton has listened to our communities and have taken the decision to revoke all invites to political parties and their officials to the Pride in Luton festival this year, in a professional capacity. This includes the right to address Pride from the main stage.”
The committee added that it will require political parties to demonstrate a “genuine commitment to trans rights” before being allowed official participation at future events.
Pride in Luton joins other major UK Pride events in taking a firm stance on the issue, echoing recent comments made by Brighton, London, Birmingham and Manchester Prides.
“We are united not only in message, but in purpose,” the statement said, adding: “At a time when trans rights in the UK are under growing attack, our resolve has never been stronger: we will not allow progress to be undone. We will not stand by as the dignity, safety and humanity of our trans siblings are debated, delayed or denied.”
Organisers did acknowledge that some politicians have expressed support for the trans and non-binary community, but said none will be given a platform this year due to Charity Commission rules and the fact that they speak on behalf of their party leadership.
“Pride in Luton recognises that some politicians have raised their voice in support of the Trans and Non-binary community, but we are unable to provide them a platform, as they represent their leader on stage. To be compliant with the Charity Commission this applies to all parties.”
You can find out more about what’s on at the Pride in Luton festival on the official website.
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