A DUP councillor has said he is opposed to the Lurgan Pride Parade in Northern Ireland from finishing in a local park due to the presence of “drag queens” and “scantily-clad women and men”.
The councillor, Stephen Moutray, said he is “strongly opposed” to the event taking place in the council-owned park due to Lurgan Pride “excluding some of our political parties – in fact the same political parties who will make this decision as to whether they can access the park or not”.
Lurgan Pride had posted on 13 March that political parties who support the indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under 18s – a decision Moutray said was “quite right” – will not be welcome.
Moutray added: “Previous parades of this type have attracted drag queens, scantily-clad women and men, banners and posters using extreme and sometimes blasphemous language.
“In light of that, I cannot support this and I will oppose it. I say that regretfully, because I don’t want to stop anyone from using the park, but I do not think it’s appropriate for a family setting, on a summer Saturday afternoon, and I propose accordingly.”
The relevant agenda item from Lurgan Pride said: “Lurgan Pride is a local-run community group whose aim is to promote and celebrate Pride within the local community.
“The group was established in 2024 and held a Pride event in Carnegie Street, Lurgan, in October 2024. The group hope to build on last year’s event by holding a parade through the town centre, finishing in Lurgan Park.
“It is anticipated that this event will attract up to 350 people [and] will include a stage for live music and speeches, close to Lurgan Park fountain. The speakers will be from LGBTQIA+ charities from Northern Ireland, and members of the local trade union movements.
“Live music will be provided by local musicians who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.”
Following the committee meeting, councillor Peter Lavery (Alliance) released a statement supporting Lurgan Pride. “It was deeply concerning to see elected representatives from the DUP and TUV attempt to exclude Lurgan Pride from accessing council facilities,” he said.
“Pride events offer people the chance to celebrate who they are and how they love. Allowing access to council facilities is the least we can do to recognise the valuable contribution LGBTQ+ citizens make to our borough.
“Alliance is proud to support equality and inclusion for everyone in our society, and looks forward to supporting the event when it comes before council.”
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