UNIFORMED police officers from across Hampshire will be allowed to take part in one of the country's biggest gay pride marches.
In previous years staff have been banned from the Brighton Gay Pride March when in uniform.
However, following a change in the nature of the event, Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan has been "persuaded" to allow people not on official duty to take part.
The Sussex Gay Police Association and Sussex Police will exercise overt control of police participation in the wider event, which takes place on August 4, ensuring that officers marching in uniform will be clearly differentiated from those performing 'operational duty'.
Mr Kernaghan said: "The force's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Group have persuaded me that participation in the contemporary Brighton Gay Pride event is compatible with my total commitment to police impartiality."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article