Speaking after seconding a motion calling on the Council to address transgender discrimination, Councillor Nuala McAllister said Alliance was ‘committed to ensuring Belfast was an inclusive city’, with Councillor Paula Bradshaw adding the Council ‘had the power to make a difference’.
Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “Northern Ireland remains far behind the rest of the UK in terms of equality laws, but we as a Council have some power to make a difference. Working together we can break down the barriers facing the transgender community.
“Rather than waiting on an over-arching equality strategy that has been promised too many times before, we can take action to ensure Belfast is a welcoming, inclusive city for everyone.
Councillor Paula Bradshaw added: “The Alliance Party is committed to delivering a shared society, regardless of age, gender, disability, race or sexual orientation and have previously led the way on LGBT issues – including homophobic bullying in schools, adoption and opposing the blood ban.
“Moving forward we’re looking forward to working closely with my Council colleagues from across the political divide to do all we can to support and promote the transgender community in Belfast.”