Pride flag flown at Town Hall despite MP’s criticisms

A council has decided to fly an LGBTQ+ flag outside its town hall following criticism from a local MP about the symbol. The Conservative-controlled Great Yarmouth Borough Council in Norfolk announced there was “cross party support” for the decision, which came after Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe expressed that the flag should not be flown from public buildings.

According to ‘BBC’, Lowe criticised the Progress Pride flag, a redesigned version of the traditional Pride flag, claiming it promotes “gender identity ideology” over “scientific reality.” He asserted that the flag “should not be on display in hospitals, schools and other public institutions.” On social media, Lowe stated, “If private individuals wish to display their views, that’s fine but not when taxpayer money is involved. Keep politics out of the public sector.”

In reaction to Lowe’s comments, council members voted to display the flag at the Town Hall. Carl Smith, the council leader, stated, “We are fully supportive of the LGBTQ+ community in this district, some of whom work within the council.” The decision received cross-party approval, with Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Labour group, also backing the move. Councillors and the chief executive, Sheila Oxtoby, shared a photo on the council's official Facebook page.

A council spokesperson noted that the decision to fly the flag demonstrates their “commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity.” In response to the post, Lowe commented on Facebook within 15 minutes, expressing concerns about “the gender ideology promoted within this flag,” which he believes suggests “children are often born in the ‘wrong’ body.” He argued that this “sends an entirely warped message to young people,” citing the Cass Review as evidence of potential harmful consequences.

Lowe added, “There are two sexes: female and male. People shouldn’t be afraid to say so. It is confusing and potentially dangerous to cloud that. We must respect everyone’s individual choices, and everyone is free to live as they choose, but that does not change scientific reality.” The Progress Pride flag incorporates the original rainbow colours of the Pride flag, with additional colours in an arrow shape pointing to the right from the hoist, symbolising progress. The designer explained that the added colours include black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBTQ+ people of colour, along with the blue, pink, and white stripes from the trans flag.