The prestigious Oxford Union has found itself at the centre of controversy after voting against a proposal to fly the LGBT Pride flag during Pride Month. The decision, made in early May by the Union’s Standing Committee, has prompted a wave of criticism from students, alumni, and LGBTQ+ campaigners who argue the rejection signals a troubling step backward for inclusion at one of the UK’s most iconic student institutions.
The proposal was put forward by the Union’s current president, Anita Okunde, who argued that flying the flag in June would reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to diversity and equality. “This is about visibility, about solidarity, and about recognising the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in our spaces,” she said ahead of the vote. “It’s not political. It’s a human gesture.”
Despite these assurances, the motion was defeated in a secret ballot, with seven members voting against and only four in favour. The vote has been met with disbelief by many across the university, with some students questioning the rationale and transparency behind the decision.
A Tradition Removed — Quietly
What makes the vote even more contentious is that it was not about introducing a new policy, but rather reinstating an existing one. According to Okunde, the Oxford Union had previously flown the Pride flag annually during the month of June without issue. That practice appears to have stopped abruptly, and the relevant standing order authorising it was quietly removed from the Union’s internal rulebook.
“There was never any formal debate or vote to remove the policy,” said Okunde. “It was simply gone. That in itself raises concerns about how decisions are being made behind closed doors.”
The president-elect of the Union, Moosa Harraj, has since launched a review to understand why the policy was removed in the first place. “We need clarity. Something so symbolic should not disappear without due process,” Harraj told reporters. He also committed to reintroducing the flag if the issue is not resolved before his term begins.
Arguments For and Against
Those who voted against the proposal argue that while they support LGBTQ+ rights, flying the Pride flag is not essential to that support. One committee member, Samy Medjdoub, said the group was concerned about the precedent the move might set.
“It’s not about the LGBT community,” he claimed. “It’s about the Union maintaining a neutral space. If we fly one flag, we open the door to other flags being requested, and that becomes difficult to manage.”
However, many students and advocates say that argument rings hollow — and fails to recognise the specific historical and social context in which LGBTQ+ communities continue to fight for equal rights and recognition.
“Pride Month is not just a symbolic celebration,” said Alex Jamieson, a second-year philosophy student and member of the university’s LGBTQ+ Society. “It’s rooted in protest and visibility. Flying the flag matters. It tells queer students that this is a space where they are seen, respected, and welcome.”
Jamieson added: “The idea that other groups might also want their flags flown isn’t a reason to deny this one — it’s a reason to consider broader inclusivity, not retreat from it.”
Wider Repercussions
The fallout from the vote has reached beyond the walls of the Union. Oxford University, while technically separate from the Union’s governance, has also faced questions about its role in fostering an inclusive environment.
Several alumni took to social media to express disappointment in the vote, with some stating they would reconsider future involvement with Union events. A former Oxford Union officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the decision as “tone-deaf and regressive.”
One tweet from a prominent LGBTQ+ academic read: “The Union prides itself on being a platform for debate — but there are times when action speaks louder than words. This was one of those times.”
The row also comes at a time when debates over LGBTQ+ visibility in public institutions are playing out nationally. Government departments have faced criticism in recent years for quietly downgrading or removing Pride Month observances. Critics argue that such actions send a chilling message — that expressions of queer identity are optional, even inconvenient.
Okunde Stands Firm
Despite the committee’s vote, President Anita Okunde has confirmed she will still fly the Pride flag during her term in office. “If the rules allow me to fly it during my presidency, I absolutely will. Representation matters,” she said in a statement.
Okunde, the first Black woman to serve as Oxford Union president in nearly two decades, has been praised by many students for her principled stance and her efforts to make the institution more inclusive. She has already introduced a new series of panel events on equality and leadership, including an upcoming discussion on intersectionality and queer identity in politics.
She said the experience has strengthened her resolve to open up the Union’s decision-making processes to greater transparency and student input. “This can’t be a club that only listens to itself,” she said. “If we want to be relevant, we have to reflect the world we live in.”
Looking Ahead
As Pride Month approaches, attention will remain focused on how the Oxford Union responds to mounting pressure. Student groups are reportedly preparing an open letter urging the Union to reverse the decision. Some are also calling for reforms to the voting process, arguing that secret ballots on matters of inclusion and equality should be replaced by public votes to ensure accountability.
For now, the Union remains divided — between tradition and progress, between neutrality and visibility. But for many LGBTQ+ students and allies, the debate is about more than just a flag. It’s about whether a historic institution is willing to evolve in step with the values of the student body it represents.
As one anonymous student put it: “The Pride flag is not about politics. It’s about people. And people are watching.”
LGBTI Jobs Editorial Team