UKIP sneaks in to march at Pride in London
Right-wing political group, disinvited from the event, walk in front of LGBTI asylum seekers
27 June 2015 | By Joe Morgan
UKIP were banned by Pride in London organizers.
Omar Kuddus
UKIP have sneaked in to march at Pride In London despite being banned from event organizers today (27 June).
The right-wing anti-Europe political party was disinvited from marching in Saturday's parade, with event organizers claiming to be thinking of participants' safety rather than on a political bias.
Edwin Sesange, director of the African LGBTI group Out and Proud Diamond, said UKIP LGBT tired to march in front of their group part way during the parade.
Many members of Out and Proud Diamond are or were asylum seekers, fleeing their home because they were persecuted on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity. Last year, UKIP leader Nigel Farage called for a five year ban on migrants.
'We as a group didn't have any problem with them marching because we are looking for tolerance, therefore we cannot ourselves be intolerant.
'They had a positive message on their placards and banner. We think they should be allowed to march so long as they don't oppose us.
'We would rather have them marching with us than against us.'
UKIP's group was asked to move back away from Out and Proud Diamond, which they agreed to do so, saying they do not want to be 'disruptive'.
The group's organiser at Pride in London was Richard Hendron, who earlier today said: 'I can say hand on heart we are not a homophobic group.'
Some disagree, like veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
'If UKIP turns up, we should just ignore them,' he told Gay Star News earlier today. 'Because I believe it's not appropriate for UKIP to march at Pride given the party opposes LGBTI equality, I've been subjected to a torrent of hate mail from UKIP members and supporters.
'The level of homophobia, racism and anti-Muslim prejudice coming from UKIP supporters is truly shocking. It confirms why many of us don't want UKIP at Pride.'