Having pride in local government day tomorrow

Local Authorities across Ireland have been invited to participate in a national campaign and ceremony tomorrow  to mark two occasions,  the raising  of the Rainbow flag as part of 'Having Pride in Local Government' which coincides with the first LGBT Pride festival of the year taking place in Dublin City this weekend and laying a wreath as a mark of respect to the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting which occurred on June 12.

'Having Pride in Local Government' is a new initiative being steered by a staff member of Kildare County Council with the assistance of Equality Officers in local authorities. It is envisaged that each Local Authority would raise the Rainbow flag on the same date every year at County Buildings or Civic offices to mark 'Having Pride in Local Government' and that each Local Authority would also hold events with local LGBT groups and clubs.

While city councils in Dublin and Cork have already raised the rainbow flag in memory of the Orlando victims earlier this week, some other council's are expected to do the same locally on Thursday and to remember those who were killed in the Orlando tragedy.

Declan Keogh, staff member with Kildare County Council said: "This event is not to take away from this weekends Dublin Pride festival, but as Dublin is the capital city, and it falls as the first pride festival of the year, it coincides with Dublin pride and it is deemed an appropriate occasion and sadly, a timely reflection of the tragedy in Orlando. Many councils have come onboard, but understandably, given the short timescale, not all councils can get involved on Thursday but are expected to do so at a later stage, either with their own local gay pride festivals later in the year or on another occasion".

Kildare County Council is leading the event and will hold a flag raising ceremony of the Rainbow/Pride flag on Thursday 23rd June at 12pm at its main council headquarters, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas. The Mayor of Kildare, Councillor Brendan Weld and the Chief Executive; Mr. Peter Carey will raise the Rainbow flag as part of 'Having Pride in Local Government'.

The Mayor will also lay a wreath in memory of the victims of the Orlando massacre.