MLA brands NI Civil Service participation in Belfast Pride as ‘overtly political' as First Minister defends decision
The TUV's Timothy Gaston was speaking after a Freedom of Information (FoI) request revealed the head of the NICS was warned that taking part in the Pride Parade this weekend would leave the civil service 'open to the charge of acting politically'.
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ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Thousands turn out for Belfast Pride parade with theme No Going Back striking defiant note
Thousands of people both young and old filled the streets of Belfast for the city's annual Pride parade. Spectators lined the city's footpaths to cheer on the thousands who took part in the parade. Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the city's calendar, with hundreds of events taking place. Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. The theme for this year's event was No Going Back, as organisers said there must be 'no turning back from the advances made in visibility, legal protections and societal recognition'. Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. It made its way north of the city before making its way down Donegall Place and past City Hall before finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. Belfast Pride organisers took the decision to ask political parties to not attend the parade in an official capacity, after Stormont backed a ban on puberty blockers. The parade started in 1991 and over the last 30 years has grown to be the largest single parade in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the parade taking place, First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all. 'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. 'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. Be proud. Be you. Today and every day. 'Have a wonderful day.'
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Crowds line streets of Belfast as city celebrates Pride parade
Latest | The centre of Belfast was turned into a sea of colour today as thousands celebrated the annual Pride parade. Crowds lined the city's footpaths to cheer on those taking part in the march. Organisers of Belfast Pride said it is the biggest cross-community parade in Belfast and is a protest and celebration of the lives of LGBT+ people. First staged in 1991, it now draws tens of thousands to the streets. This year's theme is "Not Going Back", which organisers say refers to LGBTQIA+ rights being 'under attack, here and across the world". Throughout the city, many people had rainbows painted on their faces, while others waved LGBT+ flags and held placards with equality messages written on them. Groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm. The parade made its way north of the city before moving down Donegall Place and past City Hall and finishing at Victoria Street. Friends, work colleagues and many young families, including pet dogs, were among those in the crowd. However, there was controversy in the build-up with some politicians asked to stay away. Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance and UUP – the four Executive parties – were told by Pride organisers they were not welcome at the parade because they supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she hoped the parade was a success. In a message on social media, she said: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all. 'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. 'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. 'Be proud. Be you. today and every day. Have a wonderful day.'
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Pride parade underway in Belfast as large crowds line the streets
Crowds have gathered in Belfast as the Pride parade makes its way through the city. Thousands of spectators are watching the march, which is the highlight of a series of events in recent days. It moved off shortly after 1pm. First staged in 1991, it has grown to be the largest cross-community parade in Belfast. This year's theme is "Not Going Back", which organisers say refers to LGBTQIA+ rights being 'under attack, here and across the world". However, there has been controversy in the build-up with some politicians asked to stay away. Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance and UUP – the four Executive parties – were told by Pride organisers they were not welcome at the parade because they supported a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she hoped the parade was a success. In a message on social media, she said: 'Happy Belfast Pride to everyone celebrating today, I hope it's filled with joy and love for you all. 'Your courage over many years has helped transform our society for the better. 'As your First Minister, I'm committed to building a future where everyone in our LGBTQIA+ community is seen, valued, and treated equally. 'Be proud. Be you. today and every day. Have a wonderful day.'
