West Midlands Ambulance Service pulls out of Birmingham Pride citing "political impartiality" concerns
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has withdrawn from Birmingham Pride this weekend after receiving legal advice that taking part could breach rules on "political impartiality".
In a statement issued by its executive board, the trust said the decision had not been taken lightly but warned that participation by a public body could create a “reasonable perception” of support for specific political views, which could conflict with the protected beliefs of others.
The move follows a decision by Birmingham Pride organisers last year to bar some political parties from the event after a Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. Birmingham Pride has described itself as an ongoing protest until full equality for LGBTQ+ people is achieved.
A WMAS staff member, who asked not to be named, said the decision had left some colleagues feeling “isolated and unsupported”, adding that participation in Pride had been seen by many as a commitment to inclusion rather than a political act.
A WMAS spokesperson said the trust had to balance support for staff and communities with its legal obligations as a public body, despite guidance from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives suggesting ambulance services could continue to take part in Pride events.
WMAS said it remained supportive of LGBTQ+ staff and would keep the decision under review.
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