Canterbury 'not gay enough'

Source: Daily Telegraph
By Aislinn Simpson
13 May 2009

The ancient city of Canterbury has found itself the subject of a complaint from homosexual rights activists for not having a gay bar.

Although it welcomes millions of tourists each year from across the globe, the cathedral city - famed for its association with 14th century Canterbury Tales author Geoffrey Chaucer - has also attracted ire for not having a homosexuals' community centre.

The complaint was lodged with the Local Government Ombudsman by the Pride in Canterbury pressure group which also complained about the "stereotypical" depiction of a gay character in a play staged at the city's Marlowe theatre.

Pride said the Conservative-run city council was not doing its best to attract "pink tourism" – drawing visitors who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

But the council insisted it had helped the gay community by offering money, help and use of its facilities.

Chief executive Colin Carmichael said it had provided Pride in Canterbury with more than £4,000 funding since 2005 to help identify the needs of the gay community and promote their concerns.

"The council strongly refutes any suggestion by Pride in Canterbury that we do not want to engage with the gay community and we are very disappointed that they have referred this to the ombudsman," he said.

"Last year we held a gay open day at the council offices which was widely advertised – including in the gay press – well attended by more than 40 people and received very good feedback from those present."

But Pride's Andrew Bretell insisted it had been left with no choice but to make a complaint because letters to the council had failed to get the required response.

Mr Bretell said: "They're more interested in ticking their equality boxes and engaging in back and forth 'who said what' games than they are in dealing with the real issues. We do not believe the council want a thriving LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) community in our city."

News of the investigation has surprised some locals. Canterbury University student Chloe Breton, 21, added: "It sounds ridiculous to me, some of my male friends are gay and they've definitely got no problem with Canterbury. I really don't think this is the best way to promote the place. It just makes us sound unfriendly and not tolerant – when actually the opposite is true."

The ombudsman is due to rule on the complaint on May 20.