The display of emblems is an important part of any democratic society, and citizens have a right to express their identity and culture. However, the unregulated display of emblems (typically in the form of flags, bunting, banners and posters) displayed from street furniture across Northern Ireland can be both contentious and divisive.
Paula Bradshaw's Bill proposes a regulatory framework to enable the display of emblems on street furniture (such as lamp posts, telegraph poles and safety barriers) within a Code of Conduct. It does not concern private property.
The legislation would seek to:
The legislation would seek to:
- establish a regulatory framework for the display of emblems (such as on flags, banners and posters) on street furniture (e.g. lamp posts);
- ensure that displays are for the purposes of celebration and commemoration, and for a reasonable time period; and,
- clarify whose responsibility it is to remove emblems displayed unlawfully (including paramilitary flags and posters expressing racial hatred).
You can make your views known by responding to the consultation here.
The consultation will close on 31st March 2025.