THE leader of Lichfield City Council says he is pleased to see the Pride flag flying in the heart of the city.
It comes after Staffordshire County Council confirmed it would not allow displays to take place in libraries across Pride Month.
The Reform UK authority also told Burntwood Town Council a flag could not be flown on a pole outside the library.
But Lichfield City Council has opted to mark the month with a display above its offices at Donegal House.
Cllr Jacob Marshall, leader of the city council, said:
"Pride exists because not long ago non-heterosexual people faced legal discrimination and to this day they face prejudice from across our society. It’s unfair and un-British.
"When public institutions like Lichfield City Council, show support for Pride, it demonstrates that we accept LGBTQ+ people for who they are.
"The idea that the county council has ordered libraries to tear down their Pride displays in order to make other groups feel welcome is Orwellian double speak. The displays were up, tearing them down is a divisive bit of identity politics that will only serve to make LGBTQ+ people feel unwelcome.
"I’ve been to church for most of my life and let me tell you, church-goers are not so soft as to be offended by a few rainbow flags. What’s next, are they going to ban Christmas displays for fear of offending religions other than Christians?"
Staffordshire County Council's leader Cllr Martin Murray said the decision to block Pride displays in local libraries was part of a new strategy.
He said:
"Our new Staffordshire County Council Libraries Strategy 2026-2028 will focus on core services and will no longer use taxpayer-funded resources, sites and communications channels to promote any particular group, cause or identity.
"That applies consistently to every group and every cause.
"Your library services belong to everyone in Staffordshire equally. They are not there to promote or privilege particular groups, causes or identities, however well-intentioned. As such, Pride events will no longer be promoted in our public libraries."
But a spokesperson for Lichfield Pride said it was pleased to see the city council's support for Pride Month.
They said:
"Thank you to Lichfield City Council for proudly flying the Pride flag during Pride Month.
"Visibility matters. Inclusion matters. Representation matters.
"For many people, seeing the Pride flag displayed in such a prominent place sends a powerful message that they are welcome, valued and belong in our city.
"Small gestures can have a huge impact, helping to create a community where everyone feels seen, respected and supported.
"We're proud to see Lichfield continuing to celebrate diversity and champion equality for all."
