A rainbow-painted picnic table at a designer outlet village in South Wales has ignited a political firestorm, with a Restore Britain councillor facing accusations of bigotry after condemning the furniture as a 'billboard' for 'mandatory ideology'. The dispute has drawn sharp rebukes from local MPs and reignited debates over LGBTQ+ representation in public spaces.
Councillor's criticism sparks backlash
Owain Clatworthy, 22, a practising Christian and Restore Britain councillor, posted a photo of the multicoloured table at the McArthur Glen shopping complex in Bridgend on social media, complaining that visitors cannot enjoy a coffee without being confronted by what he termed 'the latest mandatory ideology'. His post read: 'You can't even sit down for a coffee at McArthur Glen for five minutes without being reminded of the latest mandatory ideology. This isn't about kindness or inclusion. It's about making one political view impossible to escape in every public space.'
He added: 'Ordinary people are tired of it. They just want to live their lives without every surface being turned into a billboard.' The comments quickly drew criticism, with many branding him a 'bigot' for his stance on a simple symbol of inclusivity.
MP Chris Elmore hits back
Bridgend MP Chris Elmore responded directly to Clatworthy's post, emphasising that 'language matters'. In a statement, Elmore said: 'Some in our community believe the freedom to be yourself is 'mandatory ideology'. If that's the case – then I welcome it, each and every day. For too long, LGBTQ+ persons did not feel safe in public spaces – with the tragic recent events in Berlin serving as a timely reminder that the fight for rights never ends. Hate divides, kindness unites, love unites and language always matters. I'll always strive to work for a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.'
Elmore's remarks referenced a recent attack in Berlin, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by the LGBTQ+ community globally. The MP's intervention highlights the broader implications of the local dispute, linking it to wider struggles for equality and safety.
Clatworthy doubles down
Rather than backing down, Clatworthy reiterated his position, arguing that 'freedom isn't freedom' when it is forced on others. He shared a screengrab suggesting the rainbow represents 'God's covenant with humanity', attempting to reframe the symbol in religious terms. His defiance has only intensified the controversy, with social media users and local residents weighing in on both sides of the debate.
The row comes amid Clatworthy's relatively short but eventful political career. Raised in the care system, he made history as Bridgend's youngest-ever county councillor at just 20 years old, initially representing Reform. He later resigned from that party following a dispute over its candidate selection process before joining Restore Britain, a party known for its traditionalist stance on social issues.
Broader implications for public spaces
The incident raises questions about the role of public art and symbols in shared spaces. While some argue that rainbow imagery promotes inclusivity and signals safety for LGBTQ+ individuals, others, like Clatworthy, view it as an unwelcome imposition of political views. The debate echoes similar controversies across the UK, where pride flags and rainbow crossings have sparked both support and opposition.
For now, the rainbow-painted table remains in place at McArthur Glen, serving as a flashpoint for discussions about identity, freedom, and community values. As the backlash against Clatworthy grows, the episode underscores the deep divisions that can emerge over even the simplest symbols of diversity.
