EXCLUSIVE: Northern Ireland Civil Service withdraw from Pride

As I reported on Bluesky a few days ago, Northern Ireland’s Civil Service has announced it will not be taking part in Pride this year in an official capacity.

They said on a statement released internally, “The Northern Ireland Civil Service remains fully committed to supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues, and to fostering a workplace where people feel able to be themselves and do not have to hide who they are.

“However, in the current legal and case law context, the NICS is not in a position to participate in Pride events this year in an official capacity, where colleagues would be identifiable as representing the organisation.

“This position applies to Pride events throughout this year.

“We recognise that this will be disappointing for colleagues, and we want to be clear that it does not reflect any wider change in our commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

“It should be understood as the current position in a live and evolving context.

“That commitment remains fully in place. It is important that colleagues continue to experience it in a real and meaningful way, and this year that support will need to take a different form.

“We will continue to engage closely with the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Committee and relevant officials to consider how best to demonstrate ongoing support, in a way that is meaningful, appropriate and reflects the current context.

“We recognise that some colleagues may find this situation particularly difficult, and we will work with the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Committee to ensure that appropriate information and signposting to support is available.

“Support for LGBTQ+ colleagues must be evident throughout the year in how we lead, listen and act.

“Our commitment has not changed. We will continue to work closely together and keep colleagues updated.”

This decision seems to come in the wake of a number of legal cases being waged against organisations across England, not least Smith v Northumbria CC. You should expect many more organisations and bodies to withdraw across the UK before Pride season is over.