Update: BBC director confirms staff will be able to attend Pride events

BBC director in general, Tim Davie, responded to backlash after new company rulings declared staff should not attend LGBTQ+ Pride events on the basis of its ‘impartial stance’. Davie sent an email to staff, claiming reports were “inaccurate commentary” and saying there was no complete ban on employees attending Pride. He wrote: “The guidance that we published yesterday made it very clear that staff outside of news and current affairs and factual journalism may attend marches, demonstrations and protests as private individuals.”

Davie continued: “There is no ban on these staff attending Pride events. Attending Pride parades is possible within the guidelines, but due care needs to be given to the guidance and staff need to ensure that they are not seen to be taking a stand on contested or political issues.” Initial reports on the new rulings said staff were no longer allowed to take part in “public demonstrations or gatherings about controversial issues”, even when not marching under an identifiable BBC banner.

A BBC journalist said they were told by their manager that Pride events were likely to count as being controversial due to ‘growing opposition’ to trans rights in the UK. Davie received criticism from many for branding LGBTQ+ rights a ‘controversial topic’.