Statement: LGBT History Month

Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and all of the communities affected. It is essential that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, and should be safe to live peaceful lives.

At this time, we are mindful of our own history. Nearly 40 years ago Rugby Borough Councillors made a decision that was painful for our LBGT residents. It caused the LGBT community hurt both in Rugby and further afield. It is no comfort that the councillors reversed their decision some months later.

Neither I, nor most of my councillor colleagues were part of the council at that time. Neither were the council’s officer leadership. Nevertheless, I apologise wholeheartedly to our LGBT communities and to our wider residents for the hurt that decision caused. It was wrong, and we are sorry that it happened.

Rugby Borough Council is unrecognisable from the authority that made that decision in 1984. Today's practices are radically different, and we are proud that our workforce and our communities are diverse and inclusive. We have a valuable and productive relationship with Warwickshire Pride, who offer us constructive support and work with us to make life safe and fulfilling for our LGBT residents. We are always looking at ways we can do things better and value the opportunity to improve what we do.

We fly the rainbow flag as a symbol of our support for LGBT communities. We are proud of our LGBT residents, and want to do everything we can to make sure they are welcome in Rugby.

Cllr Seb Lowe
Leader of Rugby Borough Council

Cllr Derek Poole
Deputy Leader of Rugby Borough Council
Chair, Rugby Borough Council Equality and Diversity Steering Group