Macclesfield Pride has put a blanket ban on non-supporting politicians.

The charity's committee has announced that political parties who do not give 'clear and definitive' support to the transgender community will be banned from this year's event.

It comes amid a challenging time for the LGBTQIA+ community, with the Supreme Court having recently ruled that the legal definition of a woman be based on biological sex.

The statement released on Friday (May 16) reads: "Macclesfield Pride exists to celebrate and protect the LGBTQIA+ community, with a particular focus this year on standing in solidarity with our trans siblings, whose rights and dignity continue to face serious threats.

"We are very concerned with our political leaders' continued endorsement of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's extra-legal guidance – which undermines the rights of trans people – is a betrayal of trust and a failure to uphold basic principles of equality and justice.

"Silence against this endorsement implies complicity, even if unintended. It has prompted an early adoption of unlawful and harmful policies, which have already had real negative consequences for our community."

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The statement continues: "After careful consideration, the Macclesfield Pride Committee has voted on a blanket ban against all political party representation from those who do not give the transgender community their clear and definitive support, those who do not step up to denounce this endorsement, from this year's event.

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"This includes stalls, branding, and any presence in a formal or representative capacity. We remain open to parties who have proactively and publicly supported us and stood against government endorsement of the guidance.

"This decision is not made lightly. It is not a rejection of individuals who may support us from within the party. Those individuals are all welcome to attend, as their authentic selves, but not as political party representatives.

"We see this as a necessary stand against the harmful direction our country's elected leaders have taken. Allies from all backgrounds are welcome at Macclesfield Pride – as individuals, not as representatives of institutions that have failed us.

"We remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where our community can celebrate and resist with pride."