Blow for Free Derry rainbow proposals

The Department of Infrastructure has said the crossings cannot be altered due to potential ‘safety and liability’ risks.

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson who wrote to the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon last month to see if the e if the crossings cold be especially painted for Gasyard Féile and Foyle Pride said she was disappointed.

She has urged the minister to reconsider.

“This is an extremely disappointing decision and seems to be based solely on what the legislation on zebra crossings currently states. The Minister has also claimed that to paint the crossings in the rainbow colours would create ‘safety and liability risks’.

“Whilst legislation describes how a zebra crossing should be painted, there are many places across Europe and the world who have already addressed this barrier and created these rainbow crossings,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.

Similar initiatives have been successfully undertaken to mark gay pride in other parts of the world and Ms. Anderson said she believed a workaround could be arrived at.

“If it can be done in New York, Brussels or Sydney it can be done in Derry- but it requires the Minister to be proactive and explore how this can be done.

“LGBTQI+ people in the north are three times more likely to attempt suicide, five times more likely to be medicated for depression and twenty times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder.

“Many same sex couples are frightened to show each other affection in public, there are couples in Civil Partnerships still fighting to get married and Trans+ persons are still consistently misgendered and are denied their fundamental rights of identity and self-expression.

“A rainbow crossing does not solve these problems, but it is at least a visible show of support for the LGBTQI+ community at a time when this solidarity is massively needed.

“I will be replying to the Minister to establish on what basis she has made her claim that painting the crossings would pose a safety risk and to urge her to reconsider and explore all options in taking this initiative forward,” she said.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “The Department is very supportive of the LGBTQI+ community, however the layout of zebra crossings is set out in legislation within which the layout and colour of the zebra crossing is indicated as being marked with a series of black and white stripes.

“To deviate from the legislation would bring in safety and liability risks, so unfortunately the Department is unable to accede to this particular request.

“However, as the Minister discussed with Ms Anderson when she was before the Infrastructure Committee today (Wed), she is exploring what other possibilities would be open to her to show support for our LGBTQI+ community and to celebrate Pride during this unprecedented time given Covid 19 restrictions.”