LGBTQI+ group accuses Dublin Pride organisers of ‘pinkwashing political repression’ by inviting police

An LGBTQI+ organisation has attacked the inclusion of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in this year’s Dublin Pride parade on 29 June. Queer Action Ireland said it ‘rejects’ the PSNI’s participation. It also called its inclusion a form of “pinkwashing”.

The group previously announced it was organising a Pride Alternative due to the inclusion of the Irish police in Dublin Pride.

A first

For the first time, the PSNI will appear in uniform during the Pride parade. Also participating for the first time are members of the Irish police, who will be in uniform too. According to PSNI deputy chief constable Stephen Martin, “Pride is an important series of events for those who identify as” LGBTQI+. And he argued it’s a chance for the PSNI to “build upon our relationship with” members of the LGBTQI+ community.

Pinkwashing?

But the move has not been welcomed by Queer Action Ireland. Speaking to The Canary, it said:

The inclusion of the PSNI in Dublin Pride is further proof that we have moved away from the anti-police and liberatory principles of Pride and an indication that Dublin Pride is not listening.

The group previously declared its opposition to the inclusion of Irish uniformed police. It also stated at the time that it disagreed with the inclusion of corporations and establishment politicians in Pride.

It told The Canary it believes the PSNI is:

A militarised police force with a proven track record of political repression and human rights abuses.

And given this, it “should not be welcomed into Dublin Pride”.

An alternative

Queer Action Ireland also previously revealed it has organised a Pride Alternative in response to the inclusion of the Irish police. Due to the involvement of the PSNI, it further calls on people to “reject” the “pinkwashing”. And it asks that they attend its Pride Alternative instead.

Featured image via Wikimedia Commons – infomatique