CHRISTIAN CHARITY CHALLENGES PRIDE PARTICIPATION – Christian Institute called for a ban on civil servants forcibly aligning with Pride
The neutrality of Britain’s civil service is under sharp scrutiny as a leading Christian charity has taken the bold step of launching legal action, challenging what it calls the government’s open alignment with Pride and gender ideology.
The Newcastle-based Christian Institute has formally called for a ban on civil servants wearing rainbow lanyards, declaring pronouns in the workplace, or representing government departments at Pride parades. At the heart of their case is a simple but controversial question: should the civil service, which serves the whole nation, be seen to take sides on one of the most divisive cultural issues of our time?
Deputy Director Simon Calvert was clear in his criticism, told reporters: “It’s quite wrong that they should, on behalf of the civil service, signal their support for Pride marches — particularly when it is now so controversial. You cannot take part in a Pride march unless you agree with their very specific political demands.”
The Institute argues that such practices project an impression of endorsement — not impartiality. Their legal letter insists that Whitehall must not appear to support contested views on gender identity and marriage, but instead safeguard the right for staff to hold what they call “gender-critical” and traditional Christian beliefs without intimidation or exclusion.
Mr Calvert added, “The reason why we are suing the civil service is because what they have been doing for years is encouraging civil servants to participate in Pride marches on behalf of the civil service. They even have specially branded Pride t-shirts.”
