Police Scotland ban uniformed officers from taking part in Pride march
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SCOTTISH cops have been banned from marching in pride parades while on-duty.
An LGBT+ march will be held on the streets of Glasgow today, but unlike previous years there will be no uniformed cops taking part.
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A pride parade will be held in Glasgow today
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Uniformed cops will not be taking part
Credit: Tom Farmer - The Sun Glasgow
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The march decision followed a ruling from the High Court
Credit: Tom Farmer
It comes after an English police force was found to have "breached impartiality" by the High Court.
Northumbria Police's Chief Constable was found to have acted unlawfully by allowing uniformed cops to take in part in last year's Newcastle Pride.
It was argued officers taking part in the parade could harm the force's impartiality if a dispute kicked off between gender-critical and trans rights supporters.
After the ruling, Scottish cops are now not marching in the event today in Glasgow.
It is understood uniformed officers were already not taking part in the parade, but the court ruling saw force chiefs ditch plans for information stalls had been ditched.
Officers will still be able to attend the pride parade if they are off duty.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs told the Daily Mail: "Police Scotland has vast experience in policing events and in the coming days we will continue to do so in a professional, engaging, and proportionate manner.
"Glasgow's Pride will be no different and we will continue to engage closely with event organisers, although no officers will participate in forthcoming events in uniform.
"We continue to review the UK High Court judgement on Northumbria Police's participation in Newcastle Pride 2024 and its implications.
"We will ensure Police Scotland's response to events continues to be in line with our values and code of ethics, providing a professional and impartial service which upholds the human rights of all."
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The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file cops welcomed the decision.
SPF General Secretary David Kennedy said they support the values of pride but said officers taking part in any kind of march could harm the force's objectivity.
He said: "The SPF proudly supports the principles and values of the Pride movement, including equality, inclusion, and the right of all individuals - regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity - to live free from discrimination and prejudice.
"Participating in any march while on duty, including Pride, can give rise to questions around neutrality and may impact perceptions of police objectivity.
"Officers who wish to take part in Pride events in their own time should be supported and encouraged to do so, and we welcome efforts to facilitate this wherever possible.
'Supporting Pride and supporting operational clarity are not mutually exclusive—we believe both can, and should, co-exist."
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