Political parties banned from Glasgow Pride

The organisers of Glasgow Pride have moved to ban political parties from participating in its march this summer.

It follows the four largest Pride organisations in the UK – Birmingham, Brighton, London and Manchester – suspending the involvement of political parties until they demonstrate a “tangible commitment to trans rights”.

Elected representatives are not blocked from attending the events but they must do so in an individual capacity.

In a statement put out on Wednesday, Glasgow Pride said parties will not be able to register for space within the march, will not be able to host stalls, and no politicians will be invited to speak at the event.

The organisers hit out at a “lack of action and delay of comment” following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act last month.

The judgment concluded the meaning of ‘sex’ referred to biological sex and therefore, for the purposes of the Equality Act, trans women can be excluded from spaces reserved for women and trans men from spaces reserved for men.

Glasgow Pride said this “strongly impacts a vulnerable section of our community” and has created “mass confusion”.

It added: “The organising committee is deeply disappointed that we have had to make this decision. However, we do hope that by our taking this action, those with the power to do so to make the required changes – not because it is coming into an election year in Scotland, but because it is the right thing to do for the members of your party and the individuals you have been elected to represent.”

It is urging politicians to take “concrete action” to support the LGBT+ community, including full protections under the Equality Act, improved access to gender-affirming care within the NHS, and a reformed gender recognition process.

Glasgow’s Pride march takes place on 19 July 2025. It has been an annual event in the city since 2004.

Other Scottish Pride organisations may follow suit.

Responding to the announcement, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said he was “ashamed” that the LGBT+ community felt it was being let down by politicians.

He added: “I am of course disappointed at this decision, but the betrayal of our human rights by most political parties is the cause of this horrendous situation, and I fully respect the right of Pride organisers to make this decision.

“Greens have stood solid against the current wave of prejudice, and will continue to do so. But it is now abundantly clear that the community has lost trust in political parties more broadly, and I urge those in leadership positions across the spectrum, and members of all parties who do support LGBTQ+ people's human rights, to put their house in order.”