Over: The Rainbow?

By Rob Last edited 230 months ago
Over: The Rainbow?
rainbow_flag.jpg

Wow that's a contrived headline. Sorry about that. But, hopefully, it should make some sort of sense once you've read this story.

Basically what's happened is that Westminster Council have instructed pubs in Soho to remove their rainbow 'Freedom flags' on planning grounds, citing the fact that they constitute a structural change and could also be perceived as 'advertising'.

If they don't remove the flags the bars could face fines of £250 for every day the flags remain flying.

In retaliation Ken has written a letter to the council demanding that all the flags are replaced as soon as possible and calling the move "deeply offensive to lesbian and gay people":

"It is remarkable that Westminster City Council has decided to attack a key element of the cultural identity of Soho, the heart of London's gay community, a major entertainment zone and a key area for gay business."

Plus, let's face it, if they remove the flags the number of naive, disorientated, Daily Mail reading tourists wandering into 'that kind of pub' will just shoot up.

Last Updated 18 January 2005