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Councillor throws 'gay' letter at demonstrators
DUP Councillor, Cyril Brownlee, took a letter handed to him by protesters outside the Town Hall this evening (Thursday) and threw it back at them.
The protest was being held following the council’s rejection of a motion to support civil marriage.
It was organised by Gay activist, and head of Fermanagh Rainbow Community, Frankie Dean.
He said of the incident: “I was very annoyed to see him walk up the steps, screw up the letter that he was given without even looking at it. He then threw it down to the floor and then I went up to ask him why he was a councillor, why he wouldn’t even read the letter. I thought it was absolutely disgusting that he wouldn’t look to see what we were talking about and then he started saying the majority of Northern Ireland is against gay relationships.
“I was absolutely shocked because I know that’s not true.”
This was the main incident in what was a peaceful demonstration that included a ‘mock’ gay marriage that was met with the uncorking of champagne bottles filled with confetti.
Frankie added: “I’m very pleased with the turnout and I’m very pleased to see a wide age-range of young and old people and I’m very pleased to see it is a peaceful demonstration.”
Sinn Fein Councillor, Debbie Coyle, was also in attendance.
“I’m here tonight to support the protest for marriage equality. As you can see there’s quite a few people who turned up this evening, this is an equality issue and I was invited to come along, so I’ve come along to support them.
“This isn’t an anti-religion, or it isn’t a criticism of anybody’s religion…this is about equality.”
She also said that the motion will be raised in 6 months when the opportunity to do so again arises.