An LGBTQ+ anti-hate campaign group has criticised comments made by a Reform UK member about Pride, arguing that they reflect a misunderstanding of the difference between equality and equity.
Stop LGBTQ Hate Online responded after Will Fagg, deputy branch chair of Reform UK Bridgwater, commented on social media in response to coverage of Basingstoke Pride.
The exchange followed a post highlighting how "love, unity and a celebration of diversity are at the heart of Basingstoke Pride" and that showing up for the event sends "a powerful message of unity and support".
Responding to the post, Fagg wrote: "No it doesn't. It sets one group of people as being different to others and we should all be equal."
Stop LGBTQ Hate Online rejected that argument, saying support for LGBTQ+ communities is entirely compatible with the principle of equal rights.
In a statement, the organisation said the comments appeared to confuse equality with equity, explaining that treating everyone fairly does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way.
"Equality doesn't mean pretending everyone has identical experiences or needs," the group said.
"A wheelchair user may need a ramp. A pregnant woman may need workplace adjustments. Neither is being 'set apart' or given superior rights."
The campaign group argued that equity recognises the different barriers and challenges faced by individuals and communities, allowing support to be tailored accordingly.
Using an analogy, the organisation said giving everybody the same size shoes would be equal treatment, but would not be fair or practical.
"Fairness means recognising different needs and circumstances," the statement said. "So in this case you'd give everyone shoes that are the right size for each person."
The group added that Pride events remain important because LGBTQ+ people continue to experience discrimination, exclusion and prejudice.
"Pride recognises that LGBTQ+ people have faced, and still face, discrimination because of who they are," the organisation said. "Supporting them publicly is entirely compatible with believing everyone deserves equal rights."
The exchange comes against a backdrop of growing criticism of Pride events and LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives from some Reform UK politicians, candidates and supporters.
In recent years, Reform UK representatives have questioned council funding and support for Pride events, criticised corporate sponsorship of LGBTQ+ celebrations and challenged diversity and inclusion programmes. The party has also taken positions opposing a number of trans-inclusive policies, including gender self-identification and guidance designed to support trans people in schools and public services.
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