“Knowsley is proud to support Pride.” That’s the clear message from Knowsley Council’s Leader Cllr Graham Morgan.
He said: “As Leader of Knowsley Council, my first and most important responsibility is to serve the people who live in the borough – and I take that responsibility extremely seriously, especially when it comes to disadvantaged or marginalised groups. As a leader, it would be a massive dereliction of duty to only serve those who voted for you, or whose world views you share. That’s not what local leadership looks like.
“I believe Knowsley is a welcoming, inclusive borough where everyone can feel accepted. Ask people living here and they’ll tell you that people in Knowsley are kind, friendly and will do anything for anyone. And that’s exactly the kind of place you want to live.
“Regrettably, we as a borough have seen the very worst of what can happen when hateful ideologies go unchecked. The senseless murders of Anthony Walker and Michael Causer are tragedies which have never and will never be forgotten in our borough. Both feel as raw and as shocking today as they did all those years ago. Both these crimes were motivated by ignorance and hate. But I know the response of the vast majority of people in Knowsley is a determination that those two young lives will not be forgotten – and that we should all strive to make Knowsley a place where nothing so terrible can happen again and everyone is accepted for who they are.
“That’s part of the reason why events like Pride are so important. I’m proud that for the past two years, Knowsley has hosted its very own Pride celebration each summer. I can honestly say, these events have been wonderful. They have brought together people from all sections of the community – young and old. It’s about showing everyone in our borough that they are welcome, accepted and safe regardless of race, gender or sexuality.
“As a council we will continue to stand alongside LGBTQ+ people in our borough, always call out hate when we see it, and celebrate the incredible contribution of all people in our communities.
“We’re proud to support Pride.”
Details of this year’s Knowsley Pride event will be announced soon.