A pride parade has been thrown into jeopardy after concerns were raised over "drag queens and men using council-run women's toilets".
Northern Ireland's Lurgan Pride has filed a request for their August 16 parade to finish in Lurgan Park - but local DUP and TUV councillors have vocally opposed the plans.
The request, which would see up to 350 people gather for live music and speeches in the council-owned park, has sparked a furious row at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
Councillors are seeking legal advice before the matter goes to the council on May 27.
DUP Alderman Stephen Moutray said he was "strongly opposed" to the event taking place in the park.
He cited concerns about "drag queens, scantily-clad women and men, banners and posters using extreme and sometimes blasphemous language" at previous Pride events.
Northern Ireland's Lurgan Pride has filed a request for their August 16 parade to finish in Lurgan Park (pictured)
Moutray also objected to Lurgan Pride "excluding some of our political parties" after the group posted on March 13 that parties supporting the indefinite ban on puberty blockers for under-18s would not be welcome.
"I do not think it's appropriate for a family setting, on a summer Saturday afternoon," he stated.
TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe echoed his concerns, stating: "I don't agree with the movement, and taking that position I'm confident that I'm reflecting the views of many of our ratepayers."
Ratcliffe also questioned whether the LGBT organisations involved "respect the ruling and agree to abide by" the recent Supreme Court decision.
He asked: "Will those in attendance be advised that the female council toilets are only for the use of biological females?"
READ MORE ON PRIDE:
- Pride festival sparks outrage after mocking political attacks with ‘throw milkshake over Nigel Farage’ game
- Poppy Appeal sparks fiery row over 'ridiculous' pride poppy: 'We don't need to politicise it!'
- Hungary bans LGBTQ+ Pride marches as Viktor Orban says he 'won't let woke ideology endanger our kids'
Ratcliffe also questioned whether the LGBT organisations involved 'respect' the Supreme Court gender ruling (file photo)
PA
Following legal advice, Alderman Moutray deferred his proposal until May 27.
The row has prompted campaign group the Rainbow Project to voice its concerns that some are "trying to misrepresent the judgement of the UK Supreme Court" to limit LGBT rights.
Its CEO Scott Cuthbertson said: "The judgement itself related to the Equality Act 2010 which does not apply in Northern Ireland and explicitly stated that trans people remain protected from discrimination."
"The focus from certain councillors on drag queens and so-called 'blasphemous' language sets a dangerous precedent," he added.
Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery called it "deeply concerning to see elected representatives from the DUP and TUV attempt to exclude Lurgan Pride from accessing council facilities."
Campaign group the Rainbow Project has voiced its concerns that some are 'trying to misrepresent the judgement of the UK Supreme Court'
PAAnd Lurgan Pride said feedback from last year's inaugural event was "overwhelmingly positive".
The group said they are "committed to organising a day that celebrates diversity and is open to everyone to come and participate".
In a statement posted on their Facebook page on Thursday, they expressed hope that "ABC Council will come to the correct decision and will allow Lurgan Pride 2025 to go ahead as planned".
They added that the "benefit it brings to our town and our community cannot be overstated".
