Councillor queries LGBT flag flying over Cork City Hall

A councillor has raised objections to the flying of the rainbow LGBT flag over Cork City Hall in the run up to the marriage equality referendum.

Cllr Terry Shannon said the council should remain neutral on such issues ahead of the referendum on May 22nd.

“I just felt in the context of fair play the flag should not be flying over City Hall in the week before a referendum,” he said.

The flag was raised on Monday in a ceremony to mark the beginning of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) awareness week in Cork.

Cllr John Buttimer said the rainbow flag was raised over City Hall as it had been for LGBT awareness week last year.

Cllr Shannon said he plans to vote Yes in the marriage equality referendum.

“I felt it was a fair point to raise because the council should be neutral so close to the referendum. I’ve been told the flag will remain flying over City Hall,” he said.