Speaking after the vote last night (27 March), Councillor Peter Lavery said: “This motion would have gone a long way to recognise the valuable contribution LGBTQ+ citizens make to our borough, to promote diversity and inclusion, and to demonstrate our support for equality.

“It is absolutely outrageous that the UUP teamed up with the DUP to block this motion. Their complete inability to embrace the spirit of inclusion is hugely disappointing and such attitudes are holding our borough back.

“Alliance will always stand up for equality, and we will continue to push for the Council’s programme of events to embrace diversity in the next mandate.”