Just two years after barring uniformed London police officers from its parade, Pride London is now asking the London Police Service not to fly the rainbow flag at its headquarters.
In a letter sent to Chief Steve Williams, his two deputy chiefs and members of the police union and police board, organizers of Pride London stated they were making the request out of solidarity with Black Lives Matter (BLM).
"While we recognize the work London Police Service has done to engage with London’s LGBT2Q+ communities over the past several years, the lack of progress with our Black and Indigenous communities is very disappointing, to say the least," reads the letter.
It goes on to state that the police response to a list of demands from BLM - which include removing officers from schools and re-allocating police funds to food security programs and mental health initiatives - has been "unacceptable."
"We urge London Police Service to take serious actions to dismantle the systematic racism that exists within its organization and to be a leader among other police organizations in making these changes," the one-page letter continues.
It ends with an offer to help facilitate conversations between BLM and the police service.
London police chiefs reviewed the letter and issued a response Monday afternoon that stated, despite the request from Pride London, the flag will still be raised outside of police headquarters at 601 Dundas St.
“Two of the core values of the London Police Service are diversity and inclusivity, and we wholeheartedly believe that we must not only embrace those values, but live them. We demonstrate our commitment to those values through public declarations, displays or ceremonies," said Chief Williams in a statement. "In this case, flying the rainbow flag in front of the police headquarters to signify, to our own members, who identify with the LGBT2Q+ community that we support them, but also as a beacon of support to the entire London community that we support the LGBT2Q+ community.
"We acknowledge the request from Pride London Festival’s Board of Directors that the London Police Service refrain from flying the rainbow flag during this week’s PRIDE Festival, and we understand their reasons for it. While we take these concerns seriously, we also believe we owe it to our employees and the community to show our unwavering commitment to the LGBT2Q+, even as we acknowledge the work that needs to be done. We believe in what the flag represents. We will raise the flag to remind us that battles for equality have not come easily, and we must do our part."
The chief added that the police service remains open to meaningful conversations that will identify and address issues of systemic racism.
As part of the joint statement, London Police Services Board Chair Javeed Sukhera added that much work is still needed to address the issue of systemic racism.
"We are committed to change, constructive dialogue, meaningful engagement, and working together. We welcome dialogue with members of the Pride London Festival Board, with Black Lives Matter, or any organization that is willing to work with us to address systemic racism. We will also engage in the work individually and organizationally," said Sukhera in the statement.
London police have raised the Pride flag outside of its headquarters each July since 2016. The first year it was erected outside of police headquarters, then-Police Chief John Pare said it reaffirmed the service's commitment to continue to work with the LGBTQ community and created a positive, trusting relationship to address any issues and concerns.
Two years later, Pride London organizers barred police officers from marching in its parade in uniform. It also prohibited police vehicles. Pride London officials stated the move was aimed at making the march more inclusive by removing additional barriers for participants who view police as a symbol of oppression.
This year's Price London Festival is being held virtually due to COVID-19. It runs from July 16 to 26.
