DERRY councilor erry have voted to allow staff members to wear the Easter lily.
The decision by members of Derry City and Strabane District Council on Tuesday evening after a meeting of its governance committee.
It will now be put in front of a full council meeting where it is expected to be ratified.
The issue was first put onto the council’s agenda in April 2016, when independent republican councillor Paul Gallagher put forward a motion to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising calling for its wearing to be allowed.
The decision has been welcomed by Sinn Fein Councillor Mickey Cooper who said it was an example of inclusive politics.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council’s Governance & Strategic Planning committee and is now expected to be ratified when it comes before full council in the coming weeks.
Cllr. Cooper sat on the working group that considered the issue.
He said: “This was considered by the working group over a lengthy period of time during which we took the advice of the Equality Commission and trade unions.
“There was cross-party representation on the group, including from the DUP and UUP, and when the evidence was considered, it was clear that the wearing of Easter lillies – just like the poppy – is entirely consistent with a harmonious and inclusive working environment.
“All parties on the working group endorsed the recommendation to introduce this policy and that is clearly a positive example of inclusive politics working in practice.
“I now look forward to the proposal going forward to the next full Council meeting in December.
“I would also urge other councils across the north to follow this positive example of inclusive and respectful policy development,” he added.
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