The Swedish police and military will participate in this year's Pride parade in uniform, despite recent debates. Authorities believe that wearing uniforms at such events strengthens their work and promotes inclusivity.
Police and Military to March in Pride Parade Wearing Uniforms
Police and Military to March in Pride Parade Wearing Uniforms
Both the police and the Armed Forces will participate in this year's Pride parade as usual. Employees from these authorities will march in the parade wearing their uniforms.
– We view it positively when people wear uniforms to show they belong to our authority, says Pernille Undén from the Armed Forces.
In recent days, there has been a debate about whether police officers should march in the Pride parade in uniform. Social Democrat Jan Emanuel wrote in Expressen Debatt that he believes the police should remain neutral and not take a political stance, and therefore should not participate in the Pride parade in uniform.
He is supported by Göteborgs-Posten's editorial writer Håkan Boström, who writes that one can "support the rights of LGBTQ people to equal treatment while being critical of the state and municipalities engaging in Pride."
The writers were countered by author Jonas Gardell, who argues that it is important for police to participate in Pride.
Police: “Strengthens Our Work”
The police will continue to wear their uniforms when they march in their own contingent in Stockholm's Pride parade on Saturday.
– Many will participate in uniform, and this has been allowed since a decision in 2019. There is no difference this year compared to previous years, says Ola Österling from Stockholm police.
Participating in an event like Pride strengthens the police authority, he believes.
– When the police authority participates regionally or locally in events focusing on inclusion and equal value for all, it strengthens the authority's work. We become an attractive workplace and partner, gain increased local visibility, and thereby improve crime prevention.
Armed Forces: “Of Course”
The Armed Forces will also participate in the Pride parade, as they have done since 2005. Commander-in-Chief Michael Claesson will not march in the parade, but otherwise, participation will be the same as in previous years, according to Armed Forces spokesperson Pernille Undén.
– Of course, one can wear a uniform, and we view it positively when people do so to show they belong to our authority.
– For us, it is important to defend the right to be who you are.