Minister Reacts to NICS Pride Participation Withdrawal
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir expressed his disappointment following the announcement that the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) will not participate in Pride parades this summer.
The decision marks a change after NICS staff have been involved in LGBT events since 2018. The withdrawal comes amid concerns raised by some Stormont politicians regarding the impartiality of the Civil Service.
Senior officials informed staff that the NICS was "not in a position to participate" in Pride events this year due to the "current legal and case law context." Both The Executive Office (TEO) and the Department of Finance (DoF), responsible for NICS matters, have been approached for comment.
With over 24,000 employees, the NICS is one of Northern Ireland's largest employers. Staff received an internal communication updating them on the policy concerning Pride events, initially reported by the News Letter, external and seen by NI.
Official Statement from NICS Leadership
The communication was signed by Jayne Brady, Head of the Civil Service, alongside permanent secretaries from departments within the Northern Ireland Executive.
The statement affirmed the NICS's commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues and fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals can be authentic without concealment.
"The Northern Ireland Civil Service remains fully committed to supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues, and to fostering a workplace where people feel able to be themselves and do not have to hide who they are,"
However, it clarified that due to the current legal and case law context, the NICS cannot participate in Pride events this year in an official capacity where staff would be identifiable as representing the organisation.
"However, in the current legal and case law context, the NICS is not in a position to participate in Pride events this year in an official capacity, where colleagues would be identifiable as representing the organisation.
"This position applies to Pride events throughout this year."
The statement acknowledged that this decision would be disappointing for colleagues but emphasized that it does not indicate any broader change in commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
Minister Andrew Muir's Response
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir told NI that he was "very disappointed" by the decision.
"I understand the context to it and obviously that's a decision for the Civil Service,"
He further expressed concern that some political figures in Northern Ireland are attempting to "roll back and deny the rights of LGBT people."
"And I'm not going to be standing for that,"
Muir added that he plans to attend Pride events this summer alongside others from the LGBT community.
NICS Commitment to Inclusion
The NICS has previously defended its participation in Pride events, affirming its commitment to being an inclusive employer.
In a prior statement, the Department of Finance reiterated the NICS's dedication to inclusivity.
Background on Belfast Pride and Political Context
Last year, Belfast Pride excluded Stormont executive parties from their summer parade due to their support for a ban on puberty blockers for individuals under 18.
Puberty blockers are medications used to delay or prevent puberty and have sometimes been prescribed to children questioning their gender identity.
This exclusion led to internal disagreements among senior NICS staff regarding the appropriate response.
One senior adviser cautioned Jayne Brady that continued NICS participation could expose the organisation to accusations of political activity.
Conversely, another official argued that NICS participation "as an employer" differs from political attendance.
Political Reactions
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member Jonathan Buckley supported the NICS decision, describing Pride as a "political event."
"Every employee should be treated with dignity and respect,"
Buckley said, but he stressed that the NICS's role is "not to align itself with overtly political events."
"Public confidence in the impartiality of our institutions is important, and decisions taken by the Civil Service should always be guided by the law and the interests of all those it serves,"
he added.
Additional Context on NICS and PSNI Participation
The Department of Finance has stated that the Civil Service LGBTQ+ Staff Network has participated in the Belfast Pride parade since 2018.
In 2023, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) instructed officers not to participate in Pride parades in uniform, although they had taken part since 2017.
