Transgender zebra crossing triggers legal action threat over 'political messaging' claim

A London woman is threatening legal action over zebra crossings painted in the colours of the transgender pride flag, claiming they amount to political messaging in support of a clinic found to have failed vulnerable children. Blessing Olubanjo, 57, is seeking the removal or redesign of four crossings at Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, installed by Camden Council in 2021 to mark Transgender Awareness Week.

The local authority initially said the installations were "in honour" of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which was later heavily criticised by the Cass Review for lacking evidence-based care and putting children at risk. Mrs Olubanjo, a member of the Christian Peoples' Alliance Party who has lived in the borough for decades, said she had been left feeling "excluded" by the display. She said: "I brought this case because I believe in fairness, freedom of belief, and the proper role of public institutions.

"As a Christian and a taxpayer, I should not be made to feel excluded or marginalised by political symbols in public spaces.

Speaking to the Standard, she continued: "This crossing sends a message that only one viewpoint is welcome, and that's not right in a truly democratic society. I'm standing up not just for myself, but for everyone who feels silenced or sidelined."

Her legal team, the Christian Legal Centre, has issued a pre-action letter to the council arguing the crossings breach multiple legal obligations - including political impartiality rules under the Local Government Act 1986 and rights protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Centre, said: "The crossing is a visual endorsement of a contested ideology, installed by a public authority in breach of its legal duties.

"Public spaces should be able to be used by everyone, not to advance divisive agendas that alienate people of faith and those who hold to biological reality."

The crossings, painted in blue, pink and white, cost more than £10,000 and remain in place at the Bloomsbury junction, which is also marked by a blue plaque commemorating the Soviet Union leader Lenin and author Mary Shelley.

At the time of installation, Camden Council said the display aimed to "celebrate transgender awareness" and acknowledged the area's connection to the Tavistock clinic.

Labour councillor Abdul Hai, who was then Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion, said: "Camden is renowned for being 'no place for hate'.

"These amazing crossings are not only an impressive visual statement to help celebrate transgender awareness, but also act as a reminder of the rich LGBT+ history and daily life currently in the Bloomsbury area and across Camden and should prove to be a popular draw to this vibrant area."

The council also faced criticism from disability charities when the crossings were introduced.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People warned the design could cause difficulties for people with vision impairments, while Transport for London's Independent Disability Advisory Group raised concerns that it could increase anxiety among those with autism or dementia.

Camden Council has not yet confirmed whether it will contest the legal challenge. The Express has approached Camden Council for comment.