TUV Equality Spokeswoman Ann McClure said:
“While public bodies across the UK have rushed for the exit door when it comes to Stonewall, Stormont remains stubbornly behind the curve. Both the Executive Office—jointly headed by Emma Little Pengelly—and the Northern Ireland Civil Service continue to maintain links with Stonewall, at a cost to the public purse.
“The 2024 Stonewall feedback report into the Civil Service makes it abundantly clear that participation in Pride is regarded as a key indicator of an organisation’s commitment to what they term ‘LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights.’ That alone raises serious questions.
“There is, therefore, an onus on the Northern Ireland Civil Service to be honest with the public. Was fear of falling down the rankings in Stonewall’s equality index a deciding factor in their continued participation in Belfast Pride? Was this political consideration weighed against the views of ordinary people—many of whom object not only to the overtly political nature of Pride but also to its hostility to the Executive’s stance on puberty blockers?
“TUV will be tabling an Assembly question on this issue, and I will personally be submitting a Freedom of Information request today demanding the release of all internal communications and documents relating to the Civil Service’s decision to take part in Belfast Pride 2025.
“While Stonewall and the Civil Service speak the language of inclusion, the reality is very different. Their involvement in Pride alienates a large section of the Northern Ireland public who do not support the LGBT+ movement’s agenda—particularly its radical push for life-altering drugs for children, against sound medical advice and public opinion.”