TUV calls for Civil Service to acknowledge staff concerns over Pride participation

TUV Equality spokesperson Ann McClure has urged the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to address the concerns of employees who have conscientious or faith-based objections to participation in Belfast Pride events.

The statement follows a series of questions submitted by TUV’s Timothy Gaston to Finance Minister John O’Dowd, after it was confirmed that the Civil Service would be officially taking part in this year’s Belfast Pride parade.

Mr Gaston queried whether the views of civil servants, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, who may object on religious or moral grounds had been considered in the decision-making process.

In response, the Minister referred broadly to the NICS’s commitment to “inclusivity, equality, and impartiality,” but did not confirm whether any consultation or accommodation had been made for those who object.

Ms McClure said:

“Following confirmation that the Civil Service is taking part in this year’s Belfast Pride parade, Timothy Gaston tabled a number of questions to Finance Minister John O’Dowd raising serious concerns about the ramifications of this approach for the impartiality of public servants.”

She continued:

“On inquiring whether consideration was given to the views of civil servants (Protestant or Roman Catholic) who hold conscientious or faith-based objections to participation in Belfast Pride, the Minister responded in very general terms, outlining the NICS commitment to inclusivity, equality, and impartiality — but significantly did not address the actual question of whether there was any consultation, engagement, or accommodation for people who object to Pride.”

A second question from Mr Gaston asked whether NICS employees would be permitted, in an official capacity, to take part in other events such as pro-life marches. The Minister referred back to his earlier answer and provided no additional clarification.

Ms McClure also referenced recent events at Omagh Pride, stating:

“In light of the events of the weekend — when grossly offensive behaviour at and around Omagh Pride not only took place but was promoted on the official Facebook page of Omagh Pride — there is a need for the Civil Service and the Minister responsible to directly address the matters raised with him and not hide behind newspeak answers.”

The TUV argues that participation in Belfast Pride, particularly in a corporate capacity, conflicts with the principles of neutrality expected of public servants and undermines workplace inclusivity for those who do not support the Pride movement.

“Participation in Pride events was never compatible with a truly inclusive workplace,” McClure said. “That is all the more true this year when the Pride movement is openly campaigning against the Executive’s policy to protect children and young people from puberty blockers.”

Ministerial responses in full

In his official answer to AQW 28291/22-27, Mr O’Dowd stated:

“As one of the largest employers here and a public service provider, the Civil Service recognises and respects the diversity of people’s identities, experiences and backgrounds.

“As an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service participates in Belfast Pride as part of its ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer and programme of outreach with under-represented groups.

“In accordance with the Civil Service Code of Ethics, civil servants are required to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service’s core values of: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality.

“In living out the core value of ‘impartiality’, civil servants must carry out their responsibilities in a way that is fair, just and equitable and reflects the Civil Service’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including the obligations under Section 75.”

However, critics like Mr Gaston and Ms McClure believe the response fails to address the substance of the concerns raised.

As the Civil Service continues to expand its participation in public-facing events such as Pride, the debate over neutrality, inclusivity, and freedom of conscience within government institutions looks set to continue.