The founder of a Rugby-based LGBT+ group has challenged Warwickshire County Council’s library proposals about displays saying “you cannot make queer people invisible by calling them ideology”.

A politically-led review of displays in Warwickshire libraries has found “no evidence” of inappropriate placement – but Reform UK councillors are set to introduce selection criteria.

The review was instigated in early July after leader Cllr George Finch (Reform UK, Bedworth Central) alleged that Warwickshire County Council libraries had been “promoting contested gender ideology”.

Jude Dowling, founder of campaign group Out-Out, has challenged the proposals.

Jude said: “We support safeguarding children. What we do not support is manufacturing a political controversy around the ordinary existence of LGBT+ people, then introducing measures that risk making them less visible.

“If the allegations that prompted this review have not been substantiated, why pursue further intervention? Where is the evidence of the problem these changes are supposed to solve?”

Jude said Out-Out argues that age-appropriate representations of LGBT+ people should not be treated differently from heterosexual relationships routinely depicted in children’s literature.

“Children do not become LGBT+ because they encounter LGBT+ people in books,”Jude added.

“But LGBT+ children can feel isolated when their lives and families are never acknowledged. For some, a library may be the only safe place to find information and discover they are not alone.

“Safeguarding should protect children from harm, not treat the existence of a minority group as a potential source of harm.”

The group warns that additional restrictions could discourage inclusive displays, undermine professional judgement and reduce representation to avoid political complaints. It stresses that no blanket ban has been announced, but demands safeguards against discriminatory outcomes.

Proposed corporate branding guidance also raises questions about whether staff could continue wearing rainbow lanyards, allyship badges and other professionally appropriate symbols of inclusion.

Jude said: “Removing a rainbow lanyard does not make a queer employee heterosexual.

“Professionalism does not mean pretending diversity does not exist. A small symbol of welcome can reassure someone who is frightened or unsure whether they belong.”

Out-Out Groups UK demands answers and calls on the council to: publish the full review, supporting evidence and relevant complaint data; pause proposed changes pending meaningful consultation with LGBT+ organisations, library staff, unions, families and affected residents; assess the impact on LGBT+ residents and employees, including its Equality Act 2010 obligations and public sector equality duty; guarantee that age-appropriate LGBT+ materials will not face disproportionate scrutiny and clarify whether staff expressions of inclusion will be restricted and ensure guidance is applied consistently.

Jude said the group also urges the council’s LGBT+ Staff Network, LGBT+ employees, allies, trade unions and councillors of all parties to challenge the proposals formally.

“Neutrality cannot mean that the loudest political complaints determine which minority groups are visible in public life,” added Jude.

“Libraries belong to their communities. If the review found no evidence of the alleged problem, the council must explain why these changes are necessary.

“Out-Out was created to build community, defend dignity and challenge exclusion. You cannot make queer people disappear by calling them ideology.

"We are here, we belong here, and we will not be silent.”

Reform UK has issued a statement ahead of the decision in which Cllr Bannister praised the “excellent job” done by staff but also the need for “practical improvements to support staff and strengthen the service”.

“The review identified areas where guidance could be clearer, including the absence of a formal policy specifically covering displays and events for library staff, and the need for guidance on room hire,” he said.

“Clear guidance protects staff just as much as it reassures residents, because everyone has a clear understanding of how decisions are made, particularly around displays, events and sensitive subjects.

“The result will be a clearer, more consistent and more accountable library service, while retaining the professionalism and freedom that are fundamental to a modern public library.”

We have contacted Cllr George Finch for a response.