Social Democrats councillor Danny Alvey has described threats received by the organisers of a ‘Rainbow Disco’ for teenagers in Newtownmountkennedy in Wicklow as deeply disturbing.
Cllr Alvey said:
“As a councillor for the area, I am very concerned by the news that Wicklow Pride have reluctantly decided to cancel this eagerly anticipated event on safety grounds.
“This follows threats made by a small number of individuals who are not representative of the wider Newtownmountkennedy community.
“The disco at Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre was planned for this Sunday but has now been postponed after warnings it could be met with a protest.
“I was appalled to hear that Wicklow Pride committee members were subjected to disgusting, malicious accusations by some of those opposed to the event.
“Recent protests in Newtownmountkennedy over accommodation for asylum seekers shows that far-right elements are intent on infiltrating those groups to spread further hate and division in this community. Their behaviour must be called out at every opportunity by the vast majority of ordinary, decent residents of the area.
“Despite the cancellation of this weekend’s teenage disco, I will be proudly marching in this year’s Wicklow Pride parade on July 6 as an ally of our LGBTQ+ community.”
June 26, 2024