LOCAL MPs have called for confirmation that libraries will not be forced to remove displays marking Pride month.
Concerns have been raised after reports some sites across Staffordshire were being told to restrict activities and references to the event.
Burntwood Town Council was also told a Pride flag needed to be taken down from a flagpole outside Burntwood Library due to it not being authorised under Staffordshire County Council's policies.
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."
Now eight Labour MPs – including Lichfield's Dave Robertson and Tamworth's Sarah Edwards – have sent a letter to Cllr Martin Murray, leader of Staffordshire County Council, calling for clarity on the issue.
In their letter, the MPs said:
"Public libraries are a valued source of information, education and community.
"Taking down displays would send a clear and harmful message to LGBTQ+ library users and staff that their stories and community do not deserve to be celebrated – or even acknowledged – in public spaces."
The MPs are calling for the county council to provide information on any directives for Pride activities and displays in Staffordshire's libraries.
They also want clarity on whether other celebratory months, such as Black History Month, might also be impacted.
Lichfield MP Dave Robertson said:
"Pride month should be about celebrating our communities, not about seeking to sow division.
"That's why I've joined all the other Labour MPs in our area in writing to the leader of the council to clarify that our libraries should be places for everyone."
In a post on social media, a Staffordshire County Council spokesperson said the decision to restrict displays was part of efforts to create a "consistent approach".
They said:
"Staffordshire’s libraries are for everyone. They give local people access to books, digital resources, advice, activities and council services.
"As part of that, we are applying a consistent approach across our libraries on how public display space is used. Displays will focus on the core library offer, local services, and support for reading and learning.
"Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone.
"Books that are of interest to the LGBTQ+ community and by LGBTQ+ authors are still available to loan from us."
