East Down Ógra Shinn Féin have are urging people across south Down to wear their Easter Lilies with pride in celebration of the 1916 Rising and are campaigning for an end to discrimination for anyone wishing to wear this symbol within their workplace.
A spokesperson for Ógra explained:
"The Easter Lily symbol, which is currently uncategorized by the Equality Commission, was designed by the Cumann na mBan to honour the sacrifice made by the men and women of the 1916 Rising and the Tan War of 1920-22. The symbol is associated with the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, the design being taken from the seasonal decoration in churches during that period.
"It is only right therefore, that the people of south Down are allowed to freely wear their Lily whenever and wherever they wish. The number of people wearing this important symbol has in recent years increased significantly and this trend is set to continue.
"However, the onus is on employers and other officials to protect the rights of anyone wishing to wear an Easter Lilly in the workplace.
"Ógra Shinn Féin recently passed a motion supporting the right of citizens to proudly wear the Easter Lily without fear of victimisation and for it to be made available to Ulster Bus and Translink workers, as well as anyone employed by the BBC and UTV.
"It is unfathomable that in this day and age people do not have the democratic right to honour Ireland's patriot dead without discrimination and bias. We call upon the people of south Down to stand up for their rights; to honour our dead comrades and to wear their Easter lilies with pride."
A spokesperson for Ógra explained:
"The Easter Lily symbol, which is currently uncategorized by the Equality Commission, was designed by the Cumann na mBan to honour the sacrifice made by the men and women of the 1916 Rising and the Tan War of 1920-22. The symbol is associated with the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, the design being taken from the seasonal decoration in churches during that period.
"It is only right therefore, that the people of south Down are allowed to freely wear their Lily whenever and wherever they wish. The number of people wearing this important symbol has in recent years increased significantly and this trend is set to continue.
"However, the onus is on employers and other officials to protect the rights of anyone wishing to wear an Easter Lilly in the workplace.
"Ógra Shinn Féin recently passed a motion supporting the right of citizens to proudly wear the Easter Lily without fear of victimisation and for it to be made available to Ulster Bus and Translink workers, as well as anyone employed by the BBC and UTV.
"It is unfathomable that in this day and age people do not have the democratic right to honour Ireland's patriot dead without discrimination and bias. We call upon the people of south Down to stand up for their rights; to honour our dead comrades and to wear their Easter lilies with pride."
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