Multiple Pride events across Northern Ireland ban political parties that support ban on puberty blockers for trans children

Pride organisers in Northern Ireland have said political parties that supported a ban on the sale or supply of puberty blockers to under-18s will not be invited to take part in  Pride events this year.

In December, the four parties in the NI Executive, voted to introduce an indefinite permanent ban on the sale to anyone under the age of 18. This followed a directive in December from Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the Department of Health and Social Care that puberty blockers in the treatment of trans youth would be banned “indefinitely.”

Among those who have told political parties not to attend are Foyle Pride, Causeway Pride and Mid and East Antrim Pride. Belfast Pride, Northern Ireland’s largest event, have said it has not yet decided on the matter.

In a statement on social media, Foyle Pride said “Foyle Pride is and always will be, a community-led, grassroots movement that stands with all queer people, especially our trans siblings who have been abandoned by those in power.

“This decision also extends to parties that remained silent when trans lives were under attack.”

Foyle Pride said the decision will mean no political banners in the annual parade, no political advertising in the festival programme and no official messages from the mayor.

In a statement, mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said she was “disappointed at this decision by Foyle Pride”.

She said she was proud to lead the parade as mayor and would “continue to attend in her own personal capacity to show support”.