Friday, 13th June 08

Pride London, the UK’s Capital Pride, is pleased to announce that negotiations with the Ministry of Defence have been successful, and for the first time at a pride event all service personal will be allowed to take part in the parade in uniform.

The Royal Navy were given permission for the 2006 and 2007 parades, but up until now the Army and the RAF have taken part in “civvies”. A series of talks between Pride London and the MoD, convened by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Stonewall, another gay charity, have now overturned this ban.

Pride London's Chair, Paul Birrell commented:

"Pride London has been involved in discussions for members of the armed forces to be allowed to wear their uniforms in the parade for some time. I am delighted that the valuable contribution made by LGBT soldiers, sailors and airmen to front-line operations has at last been recognised."