BELFAST, Northern Ireland — The Northern Ireland city of Belfast could be penalized for a new regulation that restricts the flying of the British flag.
The Belfast City Council recently ruled that the flag, commonly known as the Union Jack, will be flown at City Hall only on designated days such as royal birthdays instead of every day.
The change is supported by nationalists, while the Democratic Unionist Party opposes it and has filed a legal challenge, according to the
Irish Independent, which reported the story.
Since the change last month, a number of violent rallies have been staged, in which dozens of police officers and demonstrators have been injured.
Democratic Unionist Party secretary John Hussey said the group’s complaint alleges the city council is in breach of its equality regulations.
"This is the first step towards a formal complaint to the Equality Commission and ultimately possible legal action," he told the Independent.
But the Alliance Party, the majority rule on the council, insists the new flag rule is in sync with the Equality Commission’s stance that it promotes good relations between both sides.
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