“This is not culture, it’s a hate crime” SF Councillor hits back after bonfire shame

The year is 2022 and we are still sitting by and watching the burning of flags and banners with racist messages written across them.

Councillor Gary McCleave who represents Northern Irelands largest party Sinn Fein, had his pictured hoisted up on a bonfire and took to Twitter with a viral post to hit out at this “culture” and called it for what it is, a hate crime.

Tonight I am having to answer questions from my children who came across this on social media why their Daddy is on a bonfire to be burnt.

This is not culture, it is a hate crime. Those within political unionism need to show leadership & stand up against this sectarian hatred pic.twitter.com/SmYsgu0Wpr

— Cllr Gary McCleave (@Garymc1967) July 11, 2022

If this were any other community it would require the police to come and dismantle it.

The PSNI who are themselves named on the same bonfire put out this statement.

The Police Service has received a number of complaints relating to flags, effigies, election posters and other emblems being placed on bonfires. We are gathering evidence in respect of these complaints and will review to establish whether offences have been committed. pic.twitter.com/3AJLnQLm7L

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) July 11, 2022

“Gathering evidence” just jump on Twitter for crying out loud!

It isn’t overly hard to encounter the bigotry and personal attacks, if they can’t find them whilst on their patrols I wouldn’t hold my breath that anything will be done.

All the same Councillor McCleave is to be commended, this behaviour needs to end, it is about time we started calling these hate crimes for what they are.

Every year on the 12th I lament that another year of the statelet continues, but at the same time think we are a year closer to a United Ireland.

Our day will come.