The High Court has ruled that Northumbria Police officers were wrong to wear their uniforms while participating in last year's Newcastle Pride festival, in a judgment that could have wider implications for police involvement in public events.
Mr Justice Linden found that Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine acted 'irrationally' and breached a duty of impartiality by officially supporting the event, which was alleged to promote the view that people can change their gender. The case was brought by Linzi Smith, a gender-critical lesbian who believes sex is immutable.
The judgment noted slogans displayed during the march, including 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' and 'Northumbria police, off our Pride', which police did not dispute. The judge said the force's actions gave 'the impression that the force as a whole was associating itself with a particular viewpoint'.
Police chiefs nationally are now assessing the ruling's scope, with some fearing it could affect participation in Remembrance parades and religious events. However, one source described the decision as 'absolutely right', stating that uniformed officers must police 'without fear or favour'.
Linzi Smith welcomed the ruling, saying: 'It is terrifying to live in a community where the police have abandoned their duty of impartiality and embraced a highly controversial political cause.' Northumbria Police has not yet commented on the judgment.
