Gender-critical lesbian wins case against police who 'breached oath to act impartially' by participating in Pride march

Court filings outline how Smith "entirely accepts that it was necessary for the event to be policed, but she objects to what she sees as the force and/or members of the force associating themselves with the views of supporters of gender ideology and transgender activists by actively participating".

"Gender ideology", she claimed, had been "embraced by the organisers of the event" and was supported by "many of the participants".

While at the march, police were seen marching with a "Police Pride" flag, Pride colours, Unison trade union banners and more.

The 34-year-old objected to how Vanessa Jardine, the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police:

• Took part in the parade;
• Associated with "messaging" which supports gender ideology;
• Held a "static display" in support of the viewpoint;
• Stationed a police van decked out in Pride coolours at the event.

Smith said that police officers who partook in the above acted "contrary to their duties of impartiality" and that the decision to authorise and support it was unlawful.

The 34-year-old, who was expelled from Newcastle United FC following a months-long probe into her gender-critical views, said she was "delighted" with today's ruling.

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In court, she was backed by witness statements from gender-critical professor Kathleen Stock and Harry Miller, co-founder of campaign group Fair Cop, which seeks to "remove politics from policing".

The pair gave extensive evidence of the years of support for Pride and "gender ideology" by Northumbria Police.

But in return, the force pointed to how it was "obliged to give effect to" the public sector equality duty outlined under the Equality Act 2010.

Jardine said that the transgender and "LGBT+ community" are subjected to hate crimes, "particularly vulnerable" and experience "social isolation".

As such, "it is important for the police to demonstrate to potential recruits and serving officers that it will be an inclusive environment in which to serve".

Police participation in Pride, Jardine said, was "necessary and justified" in demonstrating that there is a "safe and inclusive space" for standing with or reporting crime against the LGBT+ community.

Prof Stock added: "For me, the sight of the Northumbria Police either participating in Pride marches, supporting Pride events in public statements, or using or encouraging the use of Progress or rainbow flags, emblems, lanyards or other symbols associated with trans causes in a public-facing way, conveys its support for gender ideology.

"If that is not the force's intention, it is certainly its effect."

Justice Linden today confirmed: "In all of these cases, the fact that the officers had publicly stated their support for transgender rights by taking part in the 2024 march would be likely to give the impression that they may not deal with the matter fairly and impartially."

Responding to the judgment, Smith said: "I am delighted with the judgement 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.

"I posted some gender-critical tweets, and Northumbria Police launched an investigation into my conduct - but when I received appalling homophobic abuse as a lesbian, they did absolutely nothing.

"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."

Following the ruling, Northumbria Police said: "The officers, staff and volunteers of Northumbria Police are dedicated and passionate about providing each and every person of our wonderful region with an outstanding policing service.

"In doing so, we recognise not all communities share the same level of confidence in policing for a variety of reasons. We want to ensure everyone knows that we are absolutely here for them when they need us.

"Part of that is us being visible in those communities and playing an active part in our force area. Throughout the year, we will have an important role to play in a variety of events, including parades and festivals.

"During these events while our primary aim is to keep people safe, it also provides us with an opportunity to engage with people including those who may have less confidence in policing. It is vitally important they feel supported and we continue to build their trust in us.

"That is why we felt it important to challenge the case which was brought against us and which has implications for wider policing.

"We will work through the ruling to understand the implications, while staying true to our values of fairness, visibility, and support for all.

"Our commitment to providing an outstanding service to all our communities will remain unchanged."