LOCAL members of the Green Party say moves to prevent Pride displays at local libraries are "not acceptable".
It comes after Staffordshire County Council confirmed on social media that it wanted to apply "a consistent approach" to the use of display space in libraries.
The Reform UK-controlled authority insisted that it remained focus on keeping the sites "welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone".
But representatives from the local branch of the Green Party have branded the move "an appalling overreach".
A spokesperson sadi:
"Our libraries exist to serve the whole community, not to advance the hateful agenda of a small group of politicians.
"Discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community in this way is an appalling overreach and is absolutely not acceptable.
"Showcasing LGBTQ+ content and authors fosters understanding from the wider community and allows vulnerable members of the community to see themselves and their families represented and celebrated.
"At a time when hate crime based on sexual and trans identities is on the rise and trans rights are under attack, this is more vital than ever.
"The Lichfield and Burntwood Green Party stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and are calling on the Staffordshire County Council to reverse this decision."
The county council has also told Burntwood Town Council that a Pride flag flown outside Burntwood Library must also be taken down.
In an email seen by Lichfield Live as part of a Freedom of Information request, the town council was told:
"We have been informed that only the Union Flag, the Staffordshire County Flag, and flags authorised by the chief executive and the leader of Staffordshire County Council may be flown on county council buildings or assets.
"As the flag currently flying at Burntwood Library has not been authorised in line with this policy – and the flagpole is located on a county council asset – we will be taking the flag down."
A group of Labour MPs has also written to the leader of the county council calling for an explanation of the move, while an online petition has also been launched.
