Ógra Shinn Féin block Entrance of Equality Commission over Easter Lily Ruling

Ógra Shinn Féin blocked the entrance to the Equality Commission’s Office in Shaftsbury Square, Belfast in protest at their ruling last year 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 12pm to 1pm, 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. This has been done through the erection of Easter lily murals and stencils painted across the north.

Speaking from the protest, Ulster Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Fra Cochrane 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 an act of civil disobedience at this shocking attitude shown by the Equality Commission. It was aimed at highlighting the absurdity of the Equality Commission’s double standards in this day and age when we have Republicans in ministerial positions and Sinn Fein the largest party in the 6 counties. We are calling for equal respect for Ireland’s patriot dead, and that the proper status is granted to 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.”