Norfolk libraries banned from putting on Pride displays
The Reform administration says such displays promote a political agenda
Norfolk libraries have been banned from putting on Pride displays by the new Reform administration at County Hall.
The party instructed staff not to create any Pride-themed exhibits or stage presentations or events to coincide with Pride month or local Pride parades across the county this summer.
Reform says such displays promote a political agenda and says it has brought in the ban to create a “genuinely neutral safe space” in Norfolk libraries.
The new guidance comes weeks after the party ordered the Progress Pride flag not be flown from County Hall, a move that upset many staff and is one of the factors that has prompted the so-called ‘rainbow rebellion’.
This has involved officials unhappy about the new Reform administration wearing rainbow badges and using rainbow displays on their computer screens, amid rising tensions which seem set to worsen as a result of the new library guidance.
The new policy follows criticism from Reform that the Pride movement is politically left-wing and that public bodies should not fund or promote it.
They also see it as a vehicle for gender ideology – the heavily contested idea that the gender which someone identifies as should take precedence over their biological sex.
Opponents of this ideology say it poses a threat to women and girls by allowing men who identify as women access to female-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms, as well as women’s sports.
They are also concerned about the impact the promotion of the ideology could have on vulnerable young people who might question their sexuality or gender.
In 2024, Norwich’s main library, in the Forum, prompted an outcry for hosting a trans display which critics said glorified puberty blockers and body mutilation.
The exhibition, held to mark Transgender Day of Visibility, included pictures of hypodermic needles for injecting testosterone and sculptures and images of bodies which have had gender-reassignment surgery.
The then Tory leader at County Hall, Kay Mason Billig, ordered the display removed, prompting a backlash from staff.
There have also been demonstrations at Norfolk libraries about so-called Drag Queen Story Times, where drag queens read stories to children and which critics argue are not age appropriate.
Scott Hussey, a senior Reform councillor, said the new rules were introduced after families raised concerns about activities in Norfolk libraries.
“Public buildings funded by Norfolk taxpayers must not be used to advance any political agenda or promote the interests of any campaign group, however well-intentioned,” he said.
“We have heard from residents who feel that hasn’t always been the case, particularly with regard to materials aimed at children.
“As such, we welcome the steps Norfolk County Council has taken to ensure its library and museum spaces are inclusive and politically neutral for all visitors.”
But Unison, the trade union which represents council staff, has criticised the new policy, claiming it represented a curb on free speech.
Jamie Smith, its eastern regional organiser, said: “While Reform is busy clamping down on free speech and fighting culture wars, council staff will get on with providing the best service they can to the people of Norfolk.
“That includes making libraries genuinely open, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all residents, whatever signals councillors are trying to send.”
Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at County Hall, added he was “extremely alarmed” by Reform’s latest move.
'Rainbow rebellion'
This takes its name from rainbow badges and rainbow computer displays that some staff started to adopt as signs of resistance after Reform took power.
Some employees have been angered by the decision to no longer fly the Progress Pride or Ukraine flags from County Hall.
Many are also understood to be unhappy about Reform’s decision to review all the council’s net zero policies, as well as the prospect of a change to hybrid working practices.
The Unison union has described a “strong sense of disappointment” from council employees at moves announced by the Reform leadership.
It offered sessions for employees feeling “vulnerable and targeted” to air their views and share their anxiety about the new administration.
Reform councillors in turn have criticised the union for organising the “safe spaces” and described them as “snowflake sessions”.
On a recent visit to the city, Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, also waded in to the row, saying staff should leave if they if they could not support his party’s plans.
Disarray at the council has already claimed its most senior officer.
Tom McCabe, its chief executive, left his role suddenly at the end of last month.