"That this congress accepts that the easter lily be made available by Ógra members to Ulster Bus and Translink workers, and BBC and UTV workers, and to implement a campaign to bring equality to the 6 counties."
The easter lily is worn by Republicans every year at Easter time, it was designed in 1925 by Cumann na mBan to honour the sacrifice made by the men and women of the 1916 Rising and the Tan War. The symbol is associated with the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin , the design being taken from the seasonal decoration in churches during that period.
The easter lily is an emblem to remember those who give their lives in the fight for Ireland's freedom. The easter lily is currently uncategorised by the equality commission.
Damian White of Ógra Shinn Fein said,
"Highlighting the issue of equality for the easter lily is essential to ensure republicans are afforded the same rights as others in the work place. When asked by members of Ógra about the status of the easter lily in UTV, BBC and Translink, it was evident the companies had not treated the issue as a priority. They each said, while they had a policy on flags and emblems, they were unsure of what it was. It is important to highlight the failings of public bodies who allow staff to wear the poppy, yet prohibit the wearing of the easter lily."
"This is a very important issue for republicans, an issue that I am currently experiencing myself in my place of work as the business has banned employees from wearing the easter lily. By banning the wearing of the easter lily, they are sending out the message that the rights of republicans are not important, and that republicans have no right to remember their patriot dead. We must challenge the inequality that exists on this issue, we have a right to remember our patriot dead by wearing an easter lily openly and freely without fear of being asked to remove it.
We must continue this campaign, to ensure that next easter, workers are afforded the same rights as others when they proudly wear an easter lily."
3 comments:
u must only put ugly people in photos these days... not sending anymore LOL
pol mc (WB)
Great issue.
Good to see Ogra acting on motions passed at the National Congress.
Fair play to all involved!
Yeah who is that ugly in the blue top :)
Never mind recruiting more women, what about more good looking people.
Seriously though, great issue, hopefully this can be resolved for next year. Look forward to seeing Julian wearing an easter lilly while presenting 'Lesser Spotted Ulster' - my favourite programme. lol
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