In a statement released by the Fire Brigades Union, they blamed
their decision on a "year of regression" on key gay equality
issues.
"For the first time in over a decade firefighters from across
the United Kingdom who are members of the Fire Brigades Union have
decided not to march with London Fire Brigade at Pride 2011," it
said.
"It was with regret that firefighters felt it necessary to take
this stance."
One reason for this is the brigade's withdrawal from the
Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
They also claimed there had been "successive disengagement" with
staff.
Pat Carberry, LGBT Secretary, said: "It is unfortunate that our
members have been pushed into having to make this choice. It now
seems that equality no-longer features in the service's
commitment.
"It would be wrong of us to march alongside this organisation
promoting a visual front that the service is committed to serving
our community when in reality no progress is being made and if
anything its actually getting worse."
But London Fire Brigade have defended its position on gay rights
- claiming they are as dedicated as ever.
A spokeswoman for the London Fire Brigade said that senior
managers had met with the LGBT group and offered to increase the
attendance of managers at the march, but this was declined.
The spokesperson also suggested that not all LGBT members agree
with the protest.
