Canterbury is sufficiently gay, council inspectors rule
Not from the Onion
But how about YOUR community? Gay enough?
One of Britain's most historic cities, Canterbury, has been told it is sufficiently gay – after a complaint sparked a two-month investigation costing thousands of pounds.
Published: 7:00AM BST 25 Jun 2009
Rob Davies, spokesman for the council, said: 'Obviously we're delighted with the outcome of the investigation' Photo: ALAMY
A government watchdog decided that Canterbury in Kent does enough to promote homosexual culture, rejecting a complaint by local activists.
The Local Government Ombudsman – who asked for the city's council to provide evidence of how it supported the gay community – said it was satisfied the pink pound was being catered for.
As part of the investigation, the council had to prove its inclusiveness by giving details of "touring plays and musicals, for example, which would be of interest to the LGBT community".
And it had to show that it had "put forward suggestions for small events that it might help fund, as well as proposals for other events such as exhibitions".
Rob Davies, spokesman for the council, said: "Obviously we're delighted with the outcome of the investigation.
"We feel we do a great deal for the gay community in Canterbury and we have always tried to support various gay events and promotions."
"But at the same time it is not the duty of any council to set up a gay bar – that's not what councils do."
The two-month investigation began at the end of April after a letter was sent from two representatives of Pride in Canterbury.
Chairman Andrew Brettell lodged a formal complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman claiming his initial letter to the council in November fell on deaf ears.
Mr Brettell, in his 60s, said last month: "" We do not believe the council want a thriving LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community in our city. The impression I get is that the council just doesn't want to know.
"I get the feeling it is precious because Canterbury has a cathedral and history. I think they think the gay community will turn it into Sodom and Gomorrah."
telegraph.co.uk
h/t claytoncramer |
