The draft byelaws were passed today (20 Feb) at a meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, including to introduce a noise limit of 70 decibels and to prohibit the display of graphic imagery relating to miscarriage and abortion.

Cllr Maghie, who proposed the motion to agree the byelaws at council and advance them to the Department for Communities, has said: “Our city centre should be a safe, shared, and inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, and that they feel they can avail of without the risk of being traumatised by graphic imagery or disturbed by excessive noise levels.

“We’re glad that our concerns have been recognised in this necessary rethink of the byelaws, and that most parties were able to agree to advance these new proposals, with the crucial addition of measures to address the display and distribution of graphic imagery relating to miscarriage and abortion.

“Imagery which, for so many women, is incredibly triggering and that they should not be forced to confront simply for choosing to go shopping in town.

“These proposals are now on the desk of the Communities Minister. It is his duty, both to the people of Belfast and to the democratic will of the council, to approve them so that they can be enacted in law, and we hope to see this development as soon as possible.”