National Trust volunteers quit after being ordered to wear rainbow gay pride badges at work
Dozens of unpaid guides have accused the organisation of denying them their rights
DOZENS of National Trust volunteers have quit or refused to work after being told to wear gay pride badges, it has been claimed.
Dozens of unpaid guides have accused the organisation of denying them their rights, reports the .
The badges, which staff have been told to wear, are to mark 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Around 350 unpaid assistants were warned if they refused they would be forced to do backroom chores at Norfolk mansion Felbrigg Hall, with 75 reportedly resigning over the argument.
Among those to quit are Josie and Des Gallagher who say they are being denied their rights.
Mrs Gallagher, 81, told the Mail: "We object to being told how to behave. The trust was always about conservation and preservation for future generations.
"Now its motto is 'for ever, for everyone' but clearly that's not the case for volunteers with different views.
"We treat everybody who comes to the hall with the same respect. Visitors' sexual preference has never been an issue before."
Volunteers to refuse to wear the emblem include Mike Holmes, 72, who has volunteered for 13 years.
He denied the revolt was homophobic, adding: “Wyndham would have turned in his grave to know what’s happening.
“He was an intensely private man.
“He was never open about his sexuality.
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“The National Trust do not have the right to research their benefactors’ private lives to suit the needs of a marketing campaign.”
Annabel Smith, the trust’s head of volunteering, said: “Whilst volunteering for the National Trust we do request and expect individuals to uphold the values of the organisation.”
The trust added: "We are encouraging volunteers to wear lanyards for public-facing roles but we are discussing concerns with those who do not feel comfortable doing so."
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