A homophobic, sectarian banner which was draped over the railings of a bridge on the M1 motorway near Lurgan has been removed.
The offensive slogan ‘No Irish No Gays’ was daubed on the white sheet which was clearly visible by motorists travelling between Lurgan and Moira.
SDLP MLA for Lagan Valley Pat Catney condemned the sign.
In a statement Mr Catney described the banner as ‘despicable’ and he said ‘it and does not belong in 2018.’
The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating the matter. They have said ‘there is no place for stupid, mindless, embarrassing hate.’
And they have posted this message on social media:
Yesterday everyone was talking about ‘the motorway banner’. I say ‘banner’ – that’s being generous.
Yesterday everyone was feeling pity for whoever it was who decided to write every word they knew on their own bed sheet before displaying it to rush hour traffic. That’s better.
At the end of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, here’s a message to anyone who feels that bed sheet may have been aimed at them. Take a look at literally every article online which discusses it. The reaction is the same: embarrassment, ridicule, disgust. Whoever left that hanging there speaks for a TINY minority of relics and have no support or mandate of any meaning. Take heart from the community feedback. It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t represent us. It’s embarrassing.
In other news, having removed said bed sheet from the bridge, we’ve now a difficult dilemma. Roll it up and make it a chew toy for the PDs, or shred it up and cancel the next loo roll delivery? ?
There is no place for stupid, mindless, embarrassing hate.