Junior Minister Jennifer McCann addresses Newry Pride Celebrations

Sinn Fein MLA and Junior Minister Jennifer McCann addressed the Newry Pride Celebrations on Saturday.

Jennifer with Sinn Féin Republican Youth member Mark McLoughlin

Speaking to Newry Times, McCann said, “I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in the Newry Pride Celebrations.

“A lot has happened since last year and the historic vote in the referendum in the South in May has I believed created a new dynamic in the campaign of equal rights for the LGB&T community.

“It is shameful that the North of Ireland is the only region in the whole of Western Europe where marriage equality is not a reality. It is vital that we continue to fight for the campaign at all levels, both in the assembly and in wider society in winning the hearts and minds of people.

“The huge turnouts at rallies in support of Equal marriage and the success of Pride events throughout the year illustrates that people want to see change and political representatives from all Parties have to recognise that,” she insisted.

“They have to act not just on the issue of equal marriage but on bringing forward a robust sexual orientation strategy which will help address the specific inequalities faced by LGBT people.

Jennifer added, “Nothing less than full equality of rights and opportunities under law should be tolerated in a modern, progressive and inclusive society. “

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 24 2015. Filed under Community, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry