1 June 2016
Sinn Féin's Mary Ellen Campbell elected as first openly gay Deputy Mayor of Belfast
● Deputy Mayor Mary Ellen Campbell with new Sinn Féin Councillor Mairéad O’Donnell at Belfast City Council
SINN FÉIN Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell said she believes her election on Wednesday evening as the first openly gay Deputy Mayor of Belfast shows Sinn Féin’s commitment to equality and she looks forward to representing everyone in the city in the year ahead.
“I intend in my year in office to highlight and put a focus on the rights and needs of the LGBT community,” she added.
“Belfast is a welcoming city. We celebrate diversity now more than ever before. And LGBT visibility is good for Belfast.
“We are the institution that passed the first motion on marriage equality on these island. We also held a transgender remembrance event for the first time. These events and milestones are good for all the citizens of Belfast.
“A city based on equality is a happier and more prosperous one.
“I look forward to representing all the citizens of Belfast in the role of Deputy Mayor regardless of creed, class, gender or ethnicity and discharging my duties in the most inclusive and equal basis possible.
Prior to her election, Mary Ellen said:
"I am a woman. I am openly gay. I am a republican ex-political prisoner and I am from a working-class community. I experience the challenges that many marginalised citizens face in Belfast.”