Belfast Pride bans political parties over healthcare concerns

Belfast Pride has decided to ban political parties that supported a ban on puberty blockers from participating in its parade. This decision follows community feedback that showed strong anger over the ban on these treatments. Puberty blockers are medications used to delay puberty in young people who are questioning their gender. In December, four political parties in Northern Ireland voted to implement an indefinite ban on the sale or supply of puberty blockers to those under 18 years old. This move has faced criticism, and other Pride events, such as Foyle Pride and Causeway Pride, have also barred political parties that supported the ban. Belfast Pride, one of the largest Pride events in the city, stated that the decision came after consulting with the community. They expressed concern for the impact of the ban on young transgender individuals. Organizers mentioned that many responses highlighted feelings of anger and frustration regarding the restriction on puberty blockers. They also noted that for many years, there have been complaints about the lack of proper healthcare for transgender individuals, with little action taken by politicians to improve the situation. Belfast Pride criticized the absence of LGBTQIA+ considerations in the government's program as disappointing, stating that rights are under threat. In response, Sinn Féin's equality spokesperson expressed disappointment at being excluded from the parade, calling it a backward step. She emphasized that Pride should be inclusive and provide a chance for people to unite against those who want to undermine LGBTQIA+ rights. Currently, children on the existing medical pathway for puberty blockers will continue to receive treatment. However, the ban came after a report raised concerns about gaps in evidence regarding the use of puberty blockers in children. This report prompted the government to impose restrictions that have now been backed by the new administration.