Beard Liberation Front
Press Release
4th November Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266
Beard Liberation Front wont stand against Beard Friendly Candidates in General Election
The last Prime Minister with a beard, Lord Salisbury
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that while it continues to actively consider whether to stand candidates in the 12th December General Election, at the same time it is consulting on a list of Beard Friendly candidates who it will not stand against and will in all likelihood support.
The campaigners say that they are concerned at the level of pogonophobia in Westminster politics and that far too many MPs are still clean shaven men in suits and that they are determined to make this an Election issue.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, by Beard Friendly we mean candidates who have no record of making pogonophobic comments and have a public record of generally be positive about people rather than making unpleasant remarks about any section of society, except the shaving industry,obviously. Wearing a beard is not essential
The Beard Liberation Front is an informal network of beard wearers and welcomes supporters, both women and men, who agree with our core principles.
It is not party political and does not usually stand candidates in Elections. However it is political in a broader sense, as it seeks a less discriminatory and more beard friendly Britain.
Founded in 1995 it campaigns against prejudice and celebrates positive images of the hirsute with an annual Beard of the Year award at the end of December. Beard Week, which focuses on a range of beard related issues, takes place every year in late June.
It has produced an updated version of its Election Manifesto on which it will seek the views of candidates and will publicise those who sign up to its Beard Friendly Charter.
The Beard Friendly Charter (Summary)
No to Beardism and pogonophobic prejudice against the hirsute
More hirsute MPs
More hirsute public employees and monitoring of hirsuteness levels in the senior Civil Service
Promotion of positive public images of the hirsute
No dress codes at work, beyond a requirement for smart appearance for public facing roles
Restrictions on barbers shops
Restrictions on barber shops might be harsh on unionised shops
Restrictions on barber shops may represent restraint of trade for unionised shops