Libraries across Essex have been instructed not to promote LGBTQ+ and Pride events following a decision by the county council’s new Reform UK leadership.
The move, which comes at the start of Pride Month, has been described by campaigners as “disturbing”, warning it could have wider implications for inclusion and local engagement.
A spokesperson for campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex criticised the policy, questioning why Pride-related materials should be excluded from library spaces.
“This is very disturbing and alarming news,” they said. “What possible reason is there not to display Pride promotional material? It’s not as if it’s costing the library service anything.”
They added that the move could also have an impact beyond representation, arguing that Pride events bring economic benefits to local areas.
“It’s not just bigotry, it’s anti-business. Pride gets people out and spending money in our towns and cities,” the spokesperson said.
Shaun Marchant, the Green Party candidate for the Braintree division in the May local elections, raised concerns about the potential wider implications of the policy.
“What’s next, removal of books?” he said, calling on Reform UK and Essex County Council to explain the reasoning behind the move.
The issue gained traction online after a social media post questioning the need for a Pride event in Chelmsford sparked hundreds of comments and shares, with some users arguing that promotional material should be removed.
Defending the decision, Cllr Chris Hossack, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for residents and community services, said libraries should remain neutral spaces.
“Our libraries are spaces for everybody, for reading, learning and enjoyment in unity,” he said, adding that the service aims to reflect a wide range of authors, books and subjects.
“With this in mind, we need to be careful not to highlight any particular groups or themes,” he said. “Unless the activity is specific to libraries, we have taken a decision to pause promotion of such events via the council’s public-facing communication channels, including social media.”
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