Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has expressed regret at not attending this year’s Belfast Pride parade, after organisers requested political parties refrain from official participation following Stormont’s backing of a ban on puberty blockers.
O’Neill stated she will mark Pride in her own way and hopes to return next year, emphasising her commitment to equality and human rights. “I will continue to work with the organisers and all organisations representing the LGBTQIA+ community,” she told the BBC. “I hope next year I will be celebrating Pride with them.”
Meanwhile, Alliance MLA Andrew Muir, who is gay, confirmed he will attend in a personal capacity, describing the event as important. The parade, which began in 1991, has grown into Northern Ireland’s largest single parade, with this year’s theme “No Going Back” highlighting advances in visibility and legal protections.
Controversy also surrounds the Northern Ireland Civil Service’s decision to participate. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston wrote to its head, Jayne Brady, expressing concern that the service, as a publicly funded and apolitical body, should not endorse what he called “an overtly political and highly divisive campaign.” He warned of “deep unease” among Christian civil servants.
O’Neill defended the civil service’s involvement, stating: “We are an inclusive employer, and it is appropriate that the head of that service should be there to celebrate Pride with many of the 24,000 staff who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
