Luton Borough Council

02/07/2024 - A joint statement from Luton Council and Bedfordshire Police in response to a Pride in Luton banner being vandalised.

“As we look forward to the Pride in Luton event this weekend we want to remind everyone that Luton is a town where everyone regardless of their background, identity or belief is welcome. It is imperative, that individuals respect the rights of others. Most fair-minded and right-standing people in the town agree with, believe in and live by these principles.

“For this reason, we are committed to calling out and condemning any words or acts within our community that do not uphold these universal human rights and values, such as the recent homophobic vandalism of posters. This amounts to a hate crime and criminal damage.

“Targeting posters in this way is deeply upsetting to any community that is simply informing and inviting people to attend their events if they so wish. In this case, we know it is the tip of the iceberg of prejudice and hatred which members of the LGBTQI+ community still sadly are enduring - in certain cases on a daily basis.

“Luton is, and has to be no place for hate. We will continue to call out such acts of hatred - whoever they target and by whoever they are perpetrated - and by whatever means possible we will investigate them with a view to enforcing legal sanctions and pursuing prosecutions.

“Pride in Luton takes place this weekend (5 and 6 July) and we hope everyone will have a fun and safe time at this wonderful family event. For more information about the event visit StepForwardLuton.”