A police force failed to act impartially when it allowed officers to take part in
a Gay Pride and
transgender rights march, a court has ruled.
Linzi Smith, 34, a gender-critical lesbian, brought a case against Northumbria
Police after officers, including Vanessa Jardine, the head of the force, took
part in last year’s parade in Newcastle.
Ms Smith argued that it was wrong to allow uniformed officers to actively
participate in an event that promoted gender ideology and was supported by
transgender activists.
Responding to the ruling, Ms Smith said: “I am delighted with the judgment
of the court. It is terrifying to live in a community where the police have
abandoned their duty of impartiality and embraced
a highly controversial
political cause.”
In the legal claim, officers were accused of joining in the march; stationing a
police van decked out in Pride colours at the event and associating with
messaging that supported gender ideology.
The hearing was told there was also a Northumbria Police static display
staffed by uniformed officers and a transgender Pride flag incorporating the
force’s insignia.
Ms Smith argued that while she accepted it was necessary for the Pride
march to be policed it was wrong for officers to actively participate because it
breached their professional oath to operate with impartiality.
The court also heard how during the march there were pro-Palestinian
protesters chanting slogans such as: “From the River To The Sea, Palestine
Will Be Free”, “No Pride in Genocide” and “Toute le monde deteste la police”.
“Pride is political in the same way that any protest is political. Police
engagement should therefore be solely operational. No lanyards, flags,
whistles or painted cars. Just good, honest bobbies remaining polite and
keeping the peace.”
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/202...h-judge-rules/