Transgender zebra crossing triggers authorized motion risk over ‘political messaging’ declare | UK | News | EUROtoday

A London lady is threatening authorized motion over zebra crossings painted within the colors of the transgender delight flag, claiming they quantity to political messaging in assist of a clinic discovered to have failed susceptible kids. Blessing Olubanjo, 57, is looking for the removing or redesign of 4 crossings at Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, put in by Camden Council in 2021 to mark Transgender Awareness Week.

The native authority initially mentioned the installations had been “in honour” of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) on the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which was later closely criticised by the Cass Review for missing evidence-based care and placing kids in danger. Mrs Olubanjo, a member of the Christian Peoples’ Alliance Party who has lived within the borough for many years, mentioned she had been left feeling “excluded” by the show. She mentioned: “I brought this case because I believe in fairness, freedom of belief, and the proper role of public institutions.

“As a Christian and a taxpayer, I should not be made to feel excluded or marginalised by political symbols in public spaces.

Speaking to the Standard, she continued: “This crossing sends a message that only one viewpoint is welcome, and that’s not right in a truly democratic society. I’m standing up not just for myself, but for everyone who feels silenced or sidelined.”

Her authorized workforce, the Christian Legal Centre, has issued a pre-action letter to the council arguing the crossings breach a number of authorized obligations — together with political impartiality guidelines beneath the Local Government Act 1986 and rights protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

Andrea Williams, chief government of the Centre, mentioned: “The crossing is a visible endorsement of a contested ideology, put in by a public authority in breach of its authorized duties.

“Public spaces should be able to be used by everyone, not to advance divisive agendas that alienate people of faith and those who hold to biological reality.”

The crossings, painted in blue, pink and white, cost more than £10,000 and remain in place at the Bloomsbury junction, which is also marked by a blue plaque commemorating the Soviet Union leader Lenin and author Mary Shelley.

At the time of installation, Camden Council said the display aimed to “celebrate transgender awareness” and acknowledged the area’s connection to the Tavistock clinic.

Labour councillor Abdul Hai, who was then Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion, said: “Camden is renowned for being ‘no place for hate’.

“These wonderful crossings should not solely a powerful visible assertion to assist have a good time transgender consciousness, but in addition act as a reminder of the wealthy LGBT+ historical past and day by day life presently within the Bloomsbury space and throughout Camden and may show to be a well-liked draw to this vibrant space.”

The council additionally confronted criticism from incapacity charities when the crossings had been launched.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People warned the design might trigger difficulties for individuals with imaginative and prescient impairments, whereas Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group raised considerations that it might improve nervousness amongst these with autism or dementia.

Camden Council has not but confirmed whether or not it is going to contest the authorized problem. The Express has approached Camden Council for remark.