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Details
Status:
Decision Proposed
Title:
Pride in our Libraries
Details:
Motion H
Proposer: Councillor Cory
This Council notes:
1. Essex County Council’s withdrawal of social media support, encouraging libraries to not promote Pride Month and other community events, (which would include Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day, International Women’s Day), has alarmed many residents across Colchester and Essex.
2. The promotion of ‘non-specific library events’ across all Essex libraries helps under-represented communities and individuals with characteristics protected by the Equalities Act 2010, (for example, age, gender, disability, race or sexual orientation).
3. Announcements by Essex County Council representatives have led to uncertainty and sense of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in particular, leaving many feeing less welcome and safe.
This Council recognises:
1. The great benefits of community events, such as Colchester Pride, and the part our libraries and public institutions play in the promotion and support of specific communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals.
2. Colchester is home to the largest LGBTQ+ community in Greater Essex. In the 2021 Census, some 3.4% of Colchester residents, equating to around 5,400 individuals identified their sexual orientation as not Heterosexual.
3. Studies show that the LGBTQ+ community report higher feelings of loneliness and isolation and on a more frequent basis than their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts.
4. Colchester Pride has a proven record of helping individuals and groups across Colchester and beyond, to feel safe, supported and included in our wider community. Colchester Pride and associated events see attendances of over 2,500 people each year, bringing considerable social, cultural and economic benefits to Colchester.
5. Colchester Pride events, and Pride Month, are just one example of community action that supports, celebrates and champions the equal rights of individuals who may otherwise suffer from isolation, prejudice and discrimination. Other ‘non-specific library events’ now halted by the administration at Essex County Council would include: Remembrance; Black History Month; Holocaust Memorial Day; International Women’s Day; and many others.
6. Events outlined above provide education, improve awareness, commemorate important events and offer varied support to communities. From reducing isolation to promoting intergenerational connections, such events reduce division and bring tangible social, cultural and economic benefits to our communities.
7. Libraries exist to promote learning, to widen our understanding and open our minds. Anything that harms promotion of community events runs contrary to these principles. And the spirit of the equalities legislation public institutions should be protecting and supporting.
This Council resolves to:
1. Write to the Cabinet Member for Residents and Communities and the Leader of Essex County Council, calling on the administration to reverse the decision to stop the promotion of ‘non-specific library events’ in all Essex libraries.
2. To re-affirm Colchester City Council’s commitment to supporting and promoting Colchester Pride and inclusive LGBTQ+ events and spaces across Colchester.
3. To formally thank Colchester Pride and The Outhouse for their highly successful work and impact, supporting our LGBTQ+ community in Colchester and beyond.
As the motion relates to a non-executive matter, it will be debated and determined at the meeting.
Implementation Date (not before):
Wed 15 Jul 2026
Implementation Date Notes:
Include Item on Forward Plan:
No
Is the Decision Maker Aware of the Decision:
Yes
Decision Maker:
Full Council
Is the Head of Services Aware of the Decision:
Yes
Would the recommended decision be contrary to the budget and policy framework:
No
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Decision History
| 07/07/2026 09:29:46 | Richard Clifford | Business Item Created | |
| 07/07/2026 09:29:46 | Richard Clifford | Committee Added | Full Council |
| 07/07/2026 09:29:46 | Richard Clifford | Meeting Added | 15/07/2026 6:00PM |
| 07/07/2026 09:29:53 | Richard Clifford | Status Changed | Decision Proposed [2] |
| 07/07/2026 13:55:32 | Richard Clifford | General Details Edited | |
Approval/Comments
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