Defeat of Progress Pride flag motion a shameful display from ANB Council, says Boyle

Alliance Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Alderman Lewis Boyle has said he’s greatly disappointed that his motion to fly the Progress Pride flag from Council buildings during Belfast Pride was defeated, after the UUP voted against it and the SDLP abstained from the vote which took place last night (31 July).

The motion set out to amend the current flag flying policy at Council, so that the Progress Pride flag would be flown each year on the day of the Belfast Pride Parade, starting in 2024.

Alderman Boyle has said: “This is an absolutely shameful display on behalf of our Council, and is a real hit for inclusion and LGBTQ+ recognition in our Borough, especially off the back of what’s been reported as our biggest Belfast Pride ever recorded.

“Whilst the UUP regularly pay lip service to these issues, it’s evident here that they can talk the talk but are not walking the walk when it comes to actually taking action to support and protect the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity.

“For the SDLP to abstain on such a basic gesture of solidarity and inclusion is particularly disheartening to see.

“The LGBTQ+ community here in Antrim and Newtownabbey deserves infinitely better from its political representatives, and Alliance will continue to push for positive, progressive change in our Borough.”

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