MORE than 3,200 people have called for Staffordshire County Council to reverse a policy preventing libraries from putting up Pride displays.
Cllr Martin Murray has confirmed that such events will no longer be promoted in the county’s public libraries.
Pride Month celebrates diversity and commemorates the history of the LGBTQ+ community, coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in the US.
Staffordshire County Council came under the control of Reform UK following last year’s council elections.
The authority has stressed that LGBTQ+ materials continue to be available to loan from its libraries, despite the restrictions on displays.
Cllr Hayley Coles, deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and culture said:
"Staffordshire’s libraries are for everyone. They give local people access to books, digital resources, advice, activities and council services, and they are increasingly becoming community hubs where people can learn, connect and get practical support.
"As part of that approach, 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, reading and learning.
"Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone."
Cllr Murray said:
"There has been a lot of commentary and, unfortunately, quite some politicisation about Staffordshire libraries in recent days.
"Let me make one point very clear – no books have been removed from library shelves, no authors have been pulled from the catalogue and no titles have been placed off-limits.
"Our new Staffordshire County Council Libraries Strategy 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."
An online petition against the policy gained more than 500 signatures in under 48 hours – and has now been signed by more than 3,200 people.
The petition states:
"We call on Staffordshire County Council to reverse any policy that prevents libraries and other council services from displaying materials that recognise and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and other protected groups during awareness and heritage months.
"Libraries are places of learning, inclusion, and representation. Their role is to reflect the diverse communities they serve, ensuring that everyone can see themselves represented and welcomed.
"Displays marking occasions such as LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride Month, Black History Month, Disability History Month, and other awareness events are not political statements. They are expressions of visibility, education, community engagement, and equality.
"LGBTQ+ people are not an ideology, they are members of our communities, families, workplaces, schools, and public services. Recognising their existence and contributions is not political campaigning – it is a reflection of reality and a commitment to equal treatment."
