“The LGBTQ+ window at City Hall is now an iconic feature,” said Cllr Flynn. “Its design incorporates powerful imagery and references that reflect key moments in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Northern Ireland. This includes a quote from journalist Lyra McKee, who was tragically murdered by dissident republicans, symbolic emblems from historic campaigns, such as decriminalisation and marriage equality, and a photo depiction of Tarlach Mac Niallais wearing his 'Save Sodomy from Ulster' T-shirt, which was an act of protest against the discriminatory 'Save Ulster from Sodomy' campaign led by Rev Dr Ian Paisley.”
“In recent days, members of the TUV have taken issue with one particular slogan featured in the design,” he said. “Yet they remain silent on the origins of that slogan, which was a campaign of bigotry that inflicted deep harm on LGBTQ+ people across Northern Ireland. It’s deeply hypocritical to take offence at the response while ignoring the damage caused by the original message.”
“This is yet another example of the TUV engaging in performative culture wars rather than offering any meaningful solutions for the working-class communities they claim to represent. It’s unsurprising coming from a party whose main contribution to politics seems to be soundbites designed for social media engagement.”
“The window was extensively considered by all parties on Belfast City Council and received unanimous support, including from the TUV,” he noted.
ENDS