Woke council removes 'divisive' LGBTQ+ Pride flag after planning blunder exposed

A council has removed a "divisive" LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag from its building after it was revealed it did not have the proper permission to fly.

The "Progress" Pride flag is a variation of the classic rainbow banner which includes brown, pink, black and pale blue stripes to represent "marginalised people of colour", those in the trans community and those living with AIDS.

It was being flown at Huntingdonshire District Council's main office, Pathfinder House, in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

But the council's Reform UK group leader, Ryan Coogan, stepped in to remind the authority the flag may not the right to fly.

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Mr Coogan said: "Public buildings should represent everyone and the Union Flag is the flag that unites the country.

"Councils should not fly divisive political symbols, particularly where the correct permission has not been obtained."

The council told the BBC a "discussion with Reform group leader, [Ryan] Coogan prompted us to investigate the planning permission issue".

At a council meeting, Mr Coogan claimed the Progress Pride flag was "believed to represent paedophile behaviour in 'minor attracted people", adding it was "absolutely contrary to our laws and values".

The flag was created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar and later adapted to incorporate the intersex flag by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK - there is no evidence it directly relates to paedophilia.

Mr Quasar said the flag forced the viewer to examine the original Pride flag's "meaning, as well as the differing opinions on who that flag really represents, while also bringing into clear focus the current needs within our community".

Green Party member and Council chairman Stephen Ferguson admonished the Reform UK member for his remarks, but admitted falling foul of planning rules.

He said: "Stupidly, the planning authority didn’t have planning permission to that Pride flag. Doesn't justify the other parts of the message though."

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The council, led by a coalition of the Liberal Democrats, Greens and a local independent group, has now said that while the Pride flag is covered by deemed consent under planning regulations, the Pride Progress flag is not covered by this same regulation.

The flag had been flying at Pathfinder House in June before being taken down for the Armed Forces Day flag on June 27.

Mr Ferguson, in a statement, said he was "deeply disappointed" the flag had to be taken down due to the planning issue.

He said: "I want to be absolutely clear that I unequivocally stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

"The Progress Pride flag represents inclusion, dignity and support for LGBTQ+ residents across our district.

"Conflating the Progress Pride flag with paedophilia is offensive, dangerous and wholly unacceptable.

"Public debate should be robust, and questions about process can be dealt with properly, but councillors have a duty not to legitimise conspiracy tropes or target protected communities.

"Whatever the procedural issue around the flag, LGBTQ+ residents should know that they are valued, respected and supported."

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