British Transport Police faces backlash after suggesting people who question gender ideology should not work for them

10 August 2022, 02:15 | Updated: 10 August 2022, 13:36

British Transport Police (BTP) is facing a backlash after implying that those with gender critical views should not work for the force.

It comes after an officer tweeted an image of a LGBTQ+ flag during Pride, calling for people "to apply to be part of a modern, diverse and inclusive police force".

The official BTP account responded saying "inclusion isn’t political" and "if you're offended by this, please don't apply to work for us - thanks".

However, the force has since come under fire for its comment, with some claiming it is "losing respect from the public" over its "discrimination".

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One Twitter user said: "Are you for real right now? That flag is a political statement which many are opposed to on moral grounds. Your version of 'inclusion' excludes them.

"Who exactly do you think you work for?"

A second person tweeted: "Well, that's pretty blatant. Don't apply to work for us because we don't want diverse opinions, we don't want people who question orthodoxies, we don't want people who can think for themselves.

"Only people who agree with this controversial sociopolitical ideology need apply."

Another person highlighted: "The first part of this statement is fine. You are perfectly entitled to celebrate diversity in your force and in the community.

"The second part implies that you will discriminate against people on the grounds of protected belief. If you do, you will be held accountable in court."

A fourth user said: "You're losing respect from the public! And on contrary, re political police, that’s exactly what you've all become."

They added: "Politics has no place in public duty!"

A spokesman for British Transport Police said the force condemns discrimination in all forms.

“We are proud of our diversity and inclusion at BTP and we are passionate about representing the diverse communities we serve.

"We condemn discrimination in all forms.

"The purpose of our tweet on Monday was to support members of our workforce representing the force at a Pride event.

"The tweet was is no way intended to imply that BTP would discriminate against people who hold gender-critical beliefs, which we recognise are capable of being protected under the Equality Act 2010.”