Council buildings to light up in anti-racism message

The initial proposal, brought before a full meeting of Council was to light up civic buildings in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

However, in the face of some opposition to this proposal, a compromise was reached in the chamber which will see buildings, including the Armagh Gaol, the town hall in Banbridge and Craigavon Civic Centre lit in red within the next week.

Bringing the proposal to the floor, Sinn Fein Councillor Catherine Nelson said: “We should recognise that racism is a blight on all societies, including our own,” said the Portadown councillor.

“It is not enough to not be racist we have to change our ways and recognise when we see or hear it and I would like to propose the we light our civic buildings up purple to support this movement.”

The proposal was seconded SDLP Councillor Joe Nelson.

Alliance Party Councillor Eoin Tennyson said he was fully in support of the proposal and expressed his sympathy to the family George Floyd.

However, DUP Councillor Darryn Causby expressed his concern about the political nature of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I would like to be associated with the remarks in relation to the scourge of racism and the condemnation of the racist abuse that has been suffered by many of our BME communities,” said Cllr Causby.

“This is something we as a party stand against and encourage any of those who have been victims of racism to speak out and we will stand with them on any day.”

Cllr Causby continued: “We know that Black Lives Matter is not just a phrase and whilst they do matter, the organisation is that of a left wing organisation who seeks, and openly endeavours, to dismantle capitalism, defund the police and take down state structures and that is not something as a party we endorse.

“We support the rule of law and encourage diversity and we hope that message is heard loud and clear.”

Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Sam Nicholson proposed lighting council’s civic buildings red on March 21.

“We have no issue with the sentiment and we congratulate the Lord Mayor on opening a book of condolence. However, a bit like Councillor Causby we have the issue that this is not just a group, this is a political movement,” said Cllr Nicholson.

“Every life matters, we are all human beings and what we can do as a party to end discrimination we will.”

SDLP Councillor Joe Nelson said he was not surprised to see the alignment of politics on this issue and said that in every movement there are always agitators.

“That should not distract from the key message that Black Lives Matter,” said Cllr Joe Nelson. “The SDLP are a party steeped in fight for social justice. It does concern me that people cannot take something at face value.”

Independent Councillor Paul Berry expressed his sympathy to the family of George Floyd and said that any right thinking person would condemn the nature of his death.

However, he made it clear he could not support the proposal’s wording but said if there was to be a change he could get behind it.

Councillor Catherine Nelson said she was disappointed but was willing to alter the proposal to see buildings lit up in red, to ensure it received support.

Councillor Nicholson said he would be happy to second that proposal and Councillor Causby said he would like to see council’s civic buildings lit up red annually to support this anti-racism message.

Councillor Berry also expressed his delight for the new proposal.