A Christian charity has begun legal action calling for civil servants to be banned from wearing rainbow lanyards, declaring pronouns, or representing their departments at Pride events.

The Newcastle-based Christian Institute argues these practices give the impression that the civil service endorses “gender ideology” rather than remaining impartial.

Deputy Director Simon Calvert told Premier: "It’s quite wrong that they should, on behalf of the civil service, signal their support for Pride marches—particularly when it is now so controversial. You cannot take part in a Pride march unless you agree with their very specific political demands."

The group’s legal letter says the service should not take sides on issues around gender identity and marriage, but instead protect freedom to hold “gender critical” and traditional Christian views.

Mr Calvert continued: "The reason why we are suing the civil service is because what they have been doing for years is encouraging civil servants to participate in Pride marches on behalf of the civil service. They have specially branded Pride t-shirts."

A government spokesperson said the civil service is “committed to an inclusive environment for all staff.”

The case follows a recent ruling that Northumbria Police acted unlawfully by allowing officers to take part in Pride in uniform, which judges found compromised impartiality.