Ambulance service pulls out of Birmingham Pride over impartiality fears

"The message, sent on behalf of the Trust Executive Board, says the decision was not “taken lightly” and comes after “legal advice” which said participation “could breach political impartiality and create a reasonable perception that WMAS actively supports specific views, which would be contrary to the protected beliefs of some people”. It does not detail what is meant by “specific views” or “protected beliefs”."

"“Birmingham Pride describes itself as a 'protest until injustice against LGBTQIA+ people everywhere ends and true equality is achieved'. As a public sector organisation, we need to ensure that we discharge the public sector equality duty and comply with the principles of public law.”"

"The letter also includes a message on behalf of the PROUD@WMAS Network, which says while they are “disappointed” with the decision, they “understand the reasoning behind it”. The message goes on to share that the committee is planning a separate Pride celebration in June. The letter includes “sincere apologies” from the Executive Board “for the late notification of this decision”."

"A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman told PinkNews: “The Trust can confirm that it has withdrawn from the Birmingham Pride parade, along with police and fire services, based on legal advice.” “We are very fortunate to have staff from many different backgrounds including the LGBTQ+ community work for us and we remain fully supportive of them and the 'Proud Network' that we run within the Service.”"

WMAS informed members that it would not take part in Birmingham Pride. A letter from the Trust Executive Board said the decision was made after legal advice indicated participation could breach political impartiality and create a reasonable perception that WMAS actively supports specific views, contrary to protected beliefs. The letter did not define what specific views or protected beliefs meant. It referenced Birmingham Pride’s description as a protest until LGBTQIA+ injustice ends and true equality is achieved, and stated that as a public sector organisation WMAS must discharge the public sector equality duty and comply with public law principles. The PROUD@WMAS Network expressed disappointment but said it understood the reasoning and planned a separate Pride celebration in June. The Executive Board offered sincere apologies for late notification.

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