Camden resident Blessing Olubanjo has told the local authority to get rid of the three blue, pink and white-painted pedestrian crossings at the junction of Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street, Bloomsbury, or else she would begin judicial review proceedings.
She complained that the markings, installed in 2021 during Transgender Awareness Week, infringed her rights as a Christian and constituted “unlawful political messaging”.
In a letter to the Town Hall, she said: “As a Christian and a taxpayer, I should not be made to feel excluded or marginalised by political symbols in public spaces.”
Ms Olubanjo has been supported by Christian Legal Society, which has cited a section in the Local Government Act 1986 prohibiting councils from publishing material that appears to promote a political party or controversial viewpoint, and the crossings were a form of ‘publication’.
One of the transgender flag crossings in Bloomsbury. Photograph: Josef Steen
If the decision went to judicial review, a court would determine if the council followed the correct legal procedures and acted within its powers when it installed the markings.
Camden Council said it “entirely rejects” her argument, and that the borough has “no place for hate”.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to people in Bloomsbury for their views on the crossings.
Bookseller Livan Garcia felt council reserved its rights, having been democratically elected, to install the crossings.
Livan Garcia of Judd Books. Photograph: Josef Steen
“We’re a liberal society, and religion shouldn’t affect marks on buildings or street signs,” he said.
“Unless a government or council is making a statements that are flagrantly opposed to universal beliefs, or something illegal like advocating for gas chambers, I don’t see a problem.
“I also think we should support public spaces empowering marginalised groups. Besides, isn’t that what Christianity is about? Is it really the best use of this person’s time and money?”
Public relations worker, AJ, 32, who lives in Lambeth but used to work in the area, said: “I think it’s great to have awareness. Pride month should be every month, week or day. It’s just a crossing, really.”
The LDRS also spoke to Kate, a third-year history student at King’s College.
“How does a crossing like this infringe on anyone’s ability to believe in God, go to church, or read the Bible? I just don’t understand,” she said.
A 49-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said it was “no surprise” the Town Hall rejected the woman’s “absolutely ludicrous” challenge.
He added: “I work in human resources as a casual workforce manager for roughly 1,500 people in London. If one of my staff were to raise that issue, I don’t think it would get very far.”
James, who works for a supply chain firm in King’s Cross, had a balanced view. He said: “Everyone is entitled to express their opinions. If the council made the decision to create this, that’s their right, but I respect her right to challenge that. If you really want to be inclusive, everybody should be allowed to share their view.”
An elderly woman, Jill, who lives a brief walk away from the junction, simply said: “This crossing is fine. It’s different, but it’s fine. That’s all I have to say about it.”
