Equality Commission Office Blocked in Protest at Easter Lily Ruling

Ógra Shinn Féin blocked the entrance to the Equality Commission’s Office in Shaftsbury Square, Belfast in protest at their recent ruling on the Easter Lily, which states the ‘clear view’ that the Easter Lily was not an emblem which could be worn in the workplace.

The entrance was blocked for an hour, from 10am to 11am, in what the republican youth group describes as an ‘act of civil disobedience at this disrespectful decision and double standards’.

Ógra Shinn Féin have been busy on this campaign throughout Easter promoting the Easter Lily, in communities, schools and universities across Ireland. They have also launched a petition in support of their aims to gain equal status for the Easter Lily, so that it can be worn freely and openly in all public spaces including the workplace.


Speaking from the protest, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“The Easter Lily should be afforded equal status, and it is a crazy, archaic decision to forbid the wearing of it in the workplace or anywhere else. This blatant act of censorship, has deeply annoyed republicans, who are hurt and angry that the Equality Commission would disrespect the Easter Lily and with that Ireland’s Patriot Dead.”

“Our protest today was act of civil disobedience at this disrespectful decision and double standards. It was aimed at highlighting the absurdity of the Equality Commission’s decision in this day and age when we have Republicans in Ministerial positions in the Assembly, and we are calling for equal respect for Ireland’s patriot dead, and that the proper status is granted the Easter Lily so that it can be worn openly and freely.”

“The days of second class citizenship are over. This campaign will continue until this ridiculous decision is overturned and republican rights respected.”