London ‘rainbow bus’ slammed over links with Stagecoach founder who backed Section 28

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London’s new rainbow bus has attracted criticism over its ties to Stagecoach, whose founder Sir Brian Souter led a campaign to keep Section 28.

The new bus was unveiled today by Transport for London and Stagecoach London, and features an iconic rainbow flag design, that wraps around the front and side of the bus.

The project was designed to promote diversity and celebrate the anniversary of TfL’s LGBT group – but it has attracted unwelcome attention due to the involvement of Stagecoach.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Lib Dem Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon attacked the new bus.

She said: “Stagecoach was set up and is still led by a person who has had consistently been a major barrier to tackling discrimination against gay and lesbian people.

“I am really concerned that TfL was not aware of this before this initiative with Stagecoach.”

Stagecoach Chairman Brian Souter campaigned for the retention of Section 28 – which banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools – in Scotland.

One of the largest donors to the SNP, last year he said:“[I support] the traditional marriage-based family, and I’m afraid that stance gets interpreted as being homophobic.

“You get labelled when you express a view, or you are honest and some people will label you. But only those who don’t know you.”