24/07/2019

NI Council Not Attending Belfast Pride

An Alliance Councillor has expressed his disappointment after a council in Northern Ireland decided against attending this year's Belfast Pride Parade.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council chose not to send a delegation to Pride Day on Saturday 03 August, with opposing councillors citing the £500 cost of participation as their reason.

Lagan River representative Eóin Tennyson said the lack of a corporate presence at next week's event is "incredibly disappointing".

He added: "This would have been a small, but incredibly significant gesture of support for the LGBTQ+ community in our borough but particularly for LGBT members of staff within the Council.

"Some councillors cited the cost of participation – a mere £500 – as their reason for voting against this proposal. However, you simply can't put a price on equality and acceptance.

"It is particularly disappointing that the Ulster Unionists chose to vote this way, despite their leader Robin Swann stating just last month that their party would not stand for intolerance while addressing the PinkNews summer reception.

"Sadly, this support for the LGBT community was lacking at Council last night and I would ask all of those councillors who voted against to consider the message their decisions sends to LGBT people, their families and friends."



(JG/CM)

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