Easter lily campaign hits the streets

Ógra Shinn Féin took to the streets of Derry last weekend in Ógras campaign to press the Equality Commission into considering and reviewing the current guidelines in regards to the status of the Easter lily in relation to their legal position in the workplace.

Spokesperson for Derry Ógra Shinn Féin Niall Doran said

"With our Easter Commemorations taking place over the present weekend we decided that there was no better time to take the 'Equality For The Easter Lily Campaign' to the people of Derry City. Easter traditionally is a time when Republicans gather throughout the country to remember the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Ireland and so it an apt time to bring this campaign to the streets. From a stall which we had set in the City Centre, we urged the public to sign our petition in order to show their support for our campaign. Many of those who signed our petition today backed our campaign and admitted that their was a huge inequality in their places of work regarding the wearing of the Easter Lily. " One woman who welcomed our campaign said... "If I was to wear my Easter lily to work today, I would most certainly be asked to remove it. I believe this is wrong, and as a Republican I should have the right to remember those who gave their lives for the Freedom of our Country. It's been great to see that the young people are active on this campaign, and I hope that next Easter i will be able to wear my Easter lily at work, without being asked to remove it!"

Niall concluded by stating “Throughout the day we have collected several hundred signatures, and will continue to collect signatures throughout the course of Easter Weekend. Early next week, we will be sending a copy of our petition to the Equality Commission as well as BBC Radio Foyle. We also hope to send a copy to Translink and UTV. We believe that every Republican should have the right to wear the Easter Lily Symbol, and to remember Our Patriot Dead."