Council could be sued over trans flag zebra crossings

A London council has been threatened with legal action over four zebra crossings painted in the colours of the transgender flag.

The pink, blue and white crossings in Bloomsbury were introduced by Islington Council in November 2021 to celebrate trans awareness and serve as a reminder of the LGBTQ+ history in the area.

Now an evangelical Christian resident, Blessing Olubanjo, claims she will sue the local authority if they fail to remove them.

Ms Olubanjo said she shouldn’t be made to ‘feel excluded or marginalised by political symbols in public spaces’ and that public spaces should not ‘advance divisive agendas’ and ‘alienate people of faith’.

She has been backed by the Christian Legal Centre, who called the crossings ‘a visual endorsement of a contested ideology’.

The crossings, at Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, faced criticism even before they were installed, with The Royal National Institute for the Blind warning they could be hazardous for visually impaired people.

Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group, meanwhile, said individuals with disabilities, dementia or sensory sensitivity could become anxious by the colours or find it difficult to interpret the abstract shapes.

Ms Olubanjo, 57, said she brought this case because she believes in ‘fairness, freedom of belief, and the proper role of public institutions’.

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

‘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 by discredited, harmful activism forced on the public by ideologically captured local authorities.’

Ms Olubanjo argues that the crossings breach political neutrality rules under the Local Government Act 1986.

She also says they infringe on freedom of belief and expression under the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Christian Legal Centre’s chief executive, Andrea Williams, said: ‘The crossing is a visual endorsement of a contested ideology, installed by a public authority in breach of its legal duties.

‘This is not the role of local government. 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 council needs to remove or redesign the crossing and apologise to its residents and local businesses.’

At the official opening of the crossings, then-councillor for Islington, Abdul Hai said: ‘Camden is renowned for being ”no place for hate” and a borough that has a strong and continuing history of respect and support for everyone.

‘These amazing crossings are not only an impressive visual statement to help celebrate transgender awareness, but also act as a reminder of the rich LGBT+ history and daily life currently in the Bloomsbury area and across Camden and should prove to be a popular draw to this vibrant area.’

Metro has contacted Islington Council for comment.

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