4 days ago
Uniformed cops unable to participate in Stirling Pride events after ruling
The change - prompted by a court ruling in England over police impartiality in trans/gender-critical debates - will mean cops will only attend the Stirling festival in their traditional public safety role.
Disappointed Stirling Pride organisers are warning a decision by Police Scotland not to take part in the event could damage relationships between cops and the LGBTQ+ community.
While police will still be deployed to ensure the public attending the event next month are safe, they can no longer participate in any of the activities.
Last year saw the police play an active role in the festival, a celebration of LGBTQ+ social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride.
However, in a statement issued by Stirling Pride organisers, they said that - despite otherwise positive relationships between local officers and the community - the police would not be involved.
They said: 'Today we have been advised that Police Scotland will not participate in Stirling Pride 2025.
'This means that there will be no Police Scotland stall, no presence in the march and no vehicle at Pride this year. This is a significant change from last year, where Police Scotland's participation was noted as a positive addition to the event.'
The organisers said the decision appeared to have been made following a court case in England brought by an individual, that police should not participate in Pride events as this could be a breach of their impartiality should there be a dispute between trans and gender critical people.
They added: 'The LGBTQ+ community have long had a very difficult relationship with police and this step will be seen as a capitulation to the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ lobby.
'Police Scotland have made significant efforts to improve relations with the LGBTQ+ community, however this regressive step is a partial decision based on the view of a minority who are actively anti-trans.
'This will not only damage relations and increase suspicion between the LGBTQ+ community and Police Scotland as an organisation.
'Stirling Pride has a good relationship with local police in Stirling and value the co-working we have had to bring safe events to the area, which makes it all the more disappointing that Police Scotland have made this decision.'
Police Scotland, however, said there would still be close engagement.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: 'Police Scotland has vast experience in policing events and we will continue to do so in a professional, engaging, and proportionate manner.
'Pride events will be no different and we will engage closely with event organisers, although no officers will participate in forthcoming events in uniform.
'We are reviewing the UK High Court judgment 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.'
RuPaul Drag Race stars Tia Kofi and Chanel O'Conor have been announced as headliners of Stirling Pride 2025 alongside award winning piper, fiddler and composer Malin Lewis.
Stirling Pride will return on Saturday September 20 with 18 acts announced to perform across a dozen venues in the city centre.
Events take place all day with the majority of events being free to attend and open to all LGBTQ+ people and allies.
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