Police ‘pride’ march damaging public trust, High Court rules

A Newcastle United fan investigated by Northumbria Police over her gender-critical views has won her case against the force’s promotion of “trans causes”.

The High Court ruled in favour of Linzi Smith, concluding that Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine and other officers’ participation in ‘Newcastle Pride in the City 2024’ indicated the force’s support of gender ideology in opposition to its impartiality duties.

Linzi Smith is still challenging Newcastle United Football Club’s suspension of her membership, which has not been reinstated even though Northumbria Police apologised for investigating her social media comments about the reality of biological sex.

‘Police Pride’

Mr Justice Linden explained that the Chief Constable’s “participation in the March was likely to be seen, and may well have been intended to be seen, as expressing the support of the head of the Force for the views and the cause which the March sought to promote”.

He emphasised that “institutional support for gender ideology and transgender rights” was further expressed by uniformed police officers marching with the ‘Police Pride’ flag, while a static display “included the Northumbria Police badge and the blue, pink and white of the transgender flag”.

Justice Linden warned that these actions impact the public’s trust in the force’s ability to “fairly and impartially” handle clashes between gender critics and trans activists.

Institute Director Ciarán Kelly said the judgment “struck a major blow against the capture of the police by LGBT ideology and could spell the end for ‘rainbow’ vehicles and other LGBT branding”.

‘Terrifying’

Welcoming the ruling, Smith said: “I am delighted with the judgment of the Court.

“It is terrifying to live in a community where the police have abandoned their duty of impartiality and embraced a highly controversial political cause. I’ve experienced first-hand what happens when the police forget their duty of impartiality.”

“Their participation in the Pride march clearly shows where their sympathies lie. Today however, the court has ruled decisively that the Chief Constable acted unlawfully. My hope is that Northumbria Police change their ways and follow this ruling. If they do they will be policing the community for everyone.”

Currently, off-duty officers will be allowed to attend the 2025 event wearing T-shirts stating: “The National LGBT+ Network: Police with Pride. 10th Anniversary Conference”. The stall, which will not be decorated with LGBT colours, is set to be staffed by uniformed officers.