A DECISION to restrict Pride displays in local libraries risks turning back to a time of "prejudice and aggression", Liberal Democrat councillors have said.
The Reform UK administration at Staffordshire County Council says the changes are part of efforts to apply "a consistent approach" on how public space is used.
Despite the decision, the authority said it remained focused on keeping libraries "welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone".
But the local branch of the Lib Dems has joined the Green Party and a group of Labour MPs in condemning the move.
Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Lib Dem opposition group at Lichfield District Council, said:
"Pride month is a time when those members of society who have been discriminated against and ostracised in the past can celebrate who they truly are.
"Banning this is a return to past attitudes of prejudice and aggression.
"We condemn this action of the county council and urge the withdrawal of this order, to allow Pride month to go ahead in libraries and other community areas."
A petition has also been launched after the instructions to libraries was introduced.
Meanwhile, county council chiefs have also barred a Pride flag from being flown outside Burntwood Library.
Cllr Hugh Ashton, Lib Dem member for Stowe ward, said the moves to crackdown on Pride activity risked being the pre-cursor to more sweeping restrictions.
He said:
"This latest action by Staffordshire County Council is a shameful abuse of power.
"Sadly, there are those in our society who will cheer the demonisation and oppression of any group that does not fit their definition of 'normal' – and actions such as this feed these people’s mindset.
"Banning the promotion of Pride in county properties could be the start of further actions, such as banning books considered to be 'unsuitable', including those containing anything other than heterosexual relationships – this is already happening in Trump’s USA. Reform UK, whose leader receives so much support from that regime, could well wish to follow suit.
"What 'unsuitable' category is next? Feminism? Racial equality? Socialism and workers’ rights? And as we know from history, these attitudes rarely stop at merely banning books.
"I hope that Staffordshire County Council institutions will be allowed to celebrate Pride, as a reminder that the thousands of LGBTQ+ people in Staffordshire are an integral part of our community."
