What began as a cheerful display to celebrate Pride Month in the scenic spa town of Matlock has now become the centre of a heated debate.
For the first time, rainbow flags were strung along the town’s historic high street alongside national symbols like the Union Flag and St George’s Cross.
But instead of bringing the community together, one flag’s removal has ignited frustration, disappointment, and a broader conversation about inclusion—and who gets to define it.
Bookshop’s Complaint Triggers Flag Removal
At the heart of the drama is Cornerstone Christian Bookshop, a faith-based shop on Matlock’s high street.
The shop filed a complaint with Matlock Town Council, asking for the Pride flag near its entrance to be taken down.
Their reason? According to the shop’s spokesperson Judy Crook, it’s about not wanting to “promote homosexuality.”
Crook told The Guardian, “As a point of basic Christian belief, we welcome everybody,” but added that “we’re not happy with the gay rights situation.”
She clarified that while they respect others’ opinions, the flag was not something they wanted displayed outside their door.
LGBTQ+ Supporters Outraged by Decision
The flag was removed shortly after the complaint—something that didn’t sit well with local residents or LGBTQ+ community members.
Many felt the council had caved under pressure, effectively sending a message that one objection could undo efforts toward inclusion.
Kate Bond, a Matlock local who donated £150 to help refresh the town’s flags, said she felt betrayed: “It’s the sly way it was done. If you’re going to put them up, stand by it.”
Others voiced their anger online. One local, Angela Hardy, called it “appalling,” adding that the bookshop’s stance doesn’t reflect all religious perspectives.
“Everyone should be welcome,” she said.
Council Denies Caving to Pressure
In response to the backlash, the council claimed the flag wasn’t removed because of the complaint itself—but out of concern for public safety.
Clerk Simon Hosmer explained the decision was made to avoid the risk of someone trying to take it down themselves and potentially getting hurt.
“It may look to people that we have bowed under the pressure of a single complaint,” Hosmer acknowledged, “but that is simply not the case.”
The Cornerstone Bookshop, for its part, also denied making any threat to remove the flag physically and praised the “speedy removal” by the council.
In a statement, the shop’s trustees emphasized their right to abstain from promoting political symbols, saying, “We would decline to fly any flag representing specific political causes… Our aim is solely to promote the Christian faith.”
Similar Pride Disputes Spark Across the UK
What’s happening in Matlock isn’t isolated.
Earlier this year, multiple Pride flags across the UK were reportedly stolen, vandalized, or removed in similar rows.
And now in central London, a bigger fight is brewing over whether Progress Pride flags should be flown on the iconic Regent Street.
Westminster City Council, working with the Crown Estate, had plans to install the flags at 20 key locations between June and July.
But their move is now being legally challenged by the Christian Legal Centre, who claim the flags push “harmful symbolism” and marginalize traditional views on gender and sexuality.
Andrea Williams, who leads the Christian Legal Centre, went as far as warning of legal action: “They send the message that people holding these views… are not welcome,” she said.
She added that most of the public “do not know the highly controversial symbolism” behind the Progress Pride flag.
Divided Views Reflect a Larger National Conversation
Back in Matlock, emotions remain high. What started as a symbolic gesture of unity has now fractured the town’s public opinion.
For some, it’s a conversation about respect and religious freedom.
For others, it’s about visibility, inclusion, and whether the voices of a few can silence the many.
As Pride Month continues, the flags might be coming down—but the debate over what they represent is far from over.