PA number of religious groups have voiced fierce opposition to the Pride Progress flags displayed along London’s Regent Street, claiming the installations amount to “indoctrination” and warning of “eternal punishment” for Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The flags, which were installed from 22 June to 17 July 2025 to celebrate Pride Month and Pride in London, replaced Union Jack flags previously flown to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May.
This year’s display features the Intersex Progress Pride flag, an inclusive update of the traditional rainbow flag. It was designed to better represent Black, brown, transgender, and intersex individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan celebrated the display on X, writing:
“Tomorrow at Pride in London we’ll send a message to the world: in our city you are free to be whoever you want to be, and love whoever you want to love.
We must take a stand against those seeking to roll back hard-won rights.”
However, right-wing Christian voices have heavily criticised both Khan and the flags. Far-right account Libs of TikTok claimed “LONDON HAS BEEN CONQUERED RIP”, while Catholic author and former White House speechwriter Joshua Charles stated:
“The options are: 1. Repentance now; or 2. Eternal punishment later.”
Erik Reed, pastor of The Journey Church in Tennessee, added:
“Tomorrow in London, they will send a message to the world: in their city, gay sex is the highest good to be celebrated and the pinnacle of their identity… Truly stunning and brave.”
The outrage coincides with Christian Concern’s recent threats to sue Westminster Council over the flag displays. The conservative group described the initiative as “woke”, arguing it promotes a divisive “secular religious ideology”.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said:
“Many people experience these flags as an attack on historic, traditional beliefs about sex and gender… They send the message that people holding these views – which are worthy of respect in a democratic society – are not welcome.”
She went on to argue the Progress Pride flag promotes transgender ideology which has been “discredited” by the Cass Review, the closure of the Tavistock clinic, and recent legal rulings. Williams added:
“If the council chooses to proceed with the display we will consider taking legal action.”
Christian Concern has also turned its attention to trans-coloured pedestrian crossings in Camden. The group is backing Blessing Olubanjo, a 57-year-old evangelical Christian, who is threatening legal action over the four-way crossing at Tavistock Place and Marchmont Street. Installed in 2021 to mark Transgender Awareness Week and LGBTQ+ history, the crossing uses the pink, white and blue colours of the trans flag.
Olubanjo argues the design constitutes unlawful political messaging and infringes on her religious freedoms.
