Glasgow Pride bans political parties over transgender issues

One of Scotland’s biggest pride marches has banned political parties from attending.

Glasgow Pride announced the move on Wednesday, mirroring similar decisions taken by other such events in the UK, calling for “concrete action” to protect transgender people in the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.

The court ruled the Equality Act’s definition of sex is related to biological sex.

In a statement on social media, organisers said politicians are welcome to attend the march on July 19 but must do so “as an individual, elected representative for your local community”.

Parties however will not be allowed space during the march, while their representatives will not be allowed to speak.

The statement said: “Glasgow’s Pride stands alongside our trans siblings facing mounting challenges to their rights across the UK and worldwide.

“Our resolve is clear: to safeguard progress and prevent its reversal.

“The dignity, safety and humanity of the trans community are fundamental rights – not points for debate, delay or denial.

“The recent UK Supreme Court ruling illuminates the pressing need for action, strengthening our determination to advocate for meaningful change that protects and elevates trans lives.”

Organisers pushed for politicians to commit to “timely and dignified access” to gender-affirming care, “full and enforceable protections under the Equality Act for all, extending beyond anti-discrimination measures” and for the gender recognition process to mirror that which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2022 and subsequently blocked by the UK Government.

“These achievable goals represent our baseline expectations for genuine support and authentic representation of all community members,” the statement continued.

“This decision invites elected representatives of all political parties and decision makers to fulfil their responsibility to constituents by moving beyond symbolism to substantive action by adequately protected these rights.

“Pride exists as a movement for LGBTQIA+ rights – not as a platform for political visibility, point-scoring or clout.

“These rights should be universal regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation, and elected representatives hold the power to effect change.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie – who has been public about his own bisexuality for decades – said he was “disappointed” by the decision, but put the blame at the feet of other politicians.

“As both a politician and someone who has been out since before my first election and has never shied away from standing up to prejudice, I feel ashamed of how politics in this country is letting down my own community,” he said.

“I am of course disappointed at this decision, but the betrayal of our human rights by most political parties is the cause of this horrendous situation, and I fully respect the right of Pride organisers to make this decision.

“Greens have stood solid against the current wave of prejudice, and will continue to do so.

“But it is now abundantly clear that the community has lost trust in political parties more broadly, and I urge those in leadership positions across the spectrum, and members of all parties who do support LGBTQ+ people’s human rights, to put their house in order.

“Even at the lowest point of the political weaponisation of homophobia in the 80s and 90s, Pride events never felt the need to take this step.

“But even in those worst of times, the Government wasn’t actually imposing segregation of public spaces as is happening now to trans people. The culture war against us needs to end.”