Council pledges support for new rainbow crossing in city

The motion was brought forward by Mayor, SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney who said: “One of the first appointments that I had from taking over as Mayor in June was a meeting with the Foyle Pride Committee.

“It was unfortunate and I shared Foyle Pride’s disappointment that they couldn’t celebrate Pride this year as they often do and as everyone in this city and district has become accustomed to. What I did do in terms of supporting Foyle Pride was I worked with them and facilitated  a number of public art displays  that were able to try  and spread the message of  their campaign.

“I wrote to the Minister for  Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon and asked for her support  to locate  a rainbow crossing in this  city centre and I know other elected members have done the same.

“Minister Mallon came back with a very supportive letter and myself and members of Foyle Pride met with representatives locally of DfI and I must say they have been very, very supportive of the issue and have been accommodating  both to myself and Foyle Pride throughout this process.

“From our last meeting with Foyle Pride I believe we have moved this campaign to a very substantial level where I hope very, very soon  that we will see  a rainbow crossing located somewhere within the city and district.

“Foyle Pride’s ideal spot is at the Guildhall – the crossing between the Guildhall that leads over to the Peace Bridge. It would be the first on this island  and I think that would be a terrific  occasion and  a terrific statement  from this city and district to say that everything that the LGBGT+ community have come through we are supporting them and that’s why I have brought this motion.”

The majority of Members welcomed the motion, praising the organisation for their role in promoting diversity and inclusivity. The motion passed with votes 33 for, 0 against and 6 abstentions.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter