The DUP grouping on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has demanded a full investigation into what they have described as a “radical trans agenda” released on Council’s social media channels.
Earlier today (Saturday) the Council announced it was to light up its most iconic buildings in the rainbow colours “as we show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, and celebrate the theme of this year’s Belfast Pride Festival ‘Stand By Your Trans’”.
The message, which coincided with Pride Day, continued: “For over 50 years the international pride movement has fought to increase visibility, awareness and support for LGBTQIA+ people while challenging hatred and intolerance in all its guises.
“Belfast Pride and the Belfast Pride festival are trans inclusive. Trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people have helped lead and shape not only the Pride movement, but the wider LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement, and are an integral part of our community and wider society.
“We share the belief that trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people should be supported, accepted and celebrated within families, communities and across wider society.
“We can all make meaningful contributions towards trans equality and together we can shape our world into one which celebrates diversity and difference. #StandByYourTrans #BelfastPride #PrideDay #Equality #Diversity #ABCLightsUp.”
However, the DUP grouping slammed the messaging stating: “We completely disagree with this corporate message released without any communication with Council elected representatives and in particular draw concern from hashtags surrounding what is a radical ‘trans’ agenda.
“Women’s rights, that have been so hard fought for, are being systematically and deliberately eroded by radical trans activists across the UK. We will not support any such agenda.
“We have raised our concerns with the Chief Executive on this issue and demand a full investigation into how such a message was promoted on the Council social media feed without any consultation.”
