Press Release
10th November Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266
Beard Liberation Front set for decision on General Election candidates
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that it will make a final decision on whether to stand candidates in the 12th December General Election on 12th December ahead of the final date for nomination of candidates.
It has looked at standing against Iain Duncan Smith in Chingford as a symbol of clean shaven reaction but remains wary of splitting the vote in a marginal seat.
At the same time it is consulting on a list of Beard Friendly candidates who it will actively promote.
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, while in previous Elections we have participated in a ‘Beardies and Baldies Alliance’ of candidates who face discrimination because of either the presence of facial hair or the lack of head follicles, in 2019 we have decided to change tack and focus specifically on the beard.
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
Sorry to be late, but I really must nominate Misbah ul Haq. Great cricketer, fine man, great beard.