Lynn Millar, co-chairperson of the Belfast Pride board, told the demonstrators “no, we are not pinkwashing” and asked them to leave as the disruption continued.<\/p>\n
At the beginning of the panel discussion, she acknowledged there had been “some criticism” online but said “there are others in the community who want this event”.<\/p>\n
“Policing like every other organisation, including Pride, is imperfect, but the only way it can get better is by listening to constructive criticism from the communities we represent and acting on it,” she added.<\/p>\n
“We can all learn from one another and I hope that through honest and respectful debate today that’s what will happen.”<\/p>\n
After the protesters left, Singleton said the demonstration “went too far” and questioned whether there had been consideration for the feelings of LGBT members of the PSNI.<\/p>\n
On last month’s street riots, he acknowledged frustrations but said many PSNI officers “put blood, sweat and tears” into tackling the violence.<\/p>\n
Belfast Pride and the PSNI have been approached for further comment.<\/p>\n
The 10-day Belfast Pride festival began on Friday, with the main event of the annual parade taking place next Saturday.<\/p>\n
In June the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) withdrew from formally taking part in Pride parades.<\/a><\/p>\n Senior officials told staff the NICS was “not in a position to participate” this year due to the “current legal and case law context”.<\/p>\n