No complaints received over 'offensive' leisure centre clothing
Elected reps have been reminded of official policies relating to the wearing of garments at council facilities.
It's been revealed that no official complaints were made about an alleged incident at a local leisure centre where 'offensive' clothing was observed.
At last month's Operations Committee, under Any Other Business, DUP Alderman Stephen Ross reported that a resident had contacted him about a recent visit to the Valley Leisure Centre during which he had observed another user in the centre 'wearing a sports top that included wording related to a perceived political opinion'. Alderman Ross said that constituents were now considering cancelling their memberships as they had been so offended.
A report to this month's committee said: "The council’s MORE Membership Terms and Conditions require members: To conduct yourself in an orderly manner so as not to interfere with other members’ use of the facilities; To treat facilities, equipment, and other members with respect. The council’s Fitness Suite Rules and Guidance (enclosed) note that: "Aggressive, abusive, threatening, anti-social or inappropriate behaviour, including the use of foul or offensive language, will not be tolerated.
"Appropriate fitness attire must be worn at all times. In relation to the specific incident highlighted at the October 2026 Operations Committee, council has not received a complaint, and nor was the issue referred to staff, at the time of, nor since, the alleged incident. "In Northern Ireland, there is no specific law that generally prohibits someone from wearing clothing which expresses, for example, political or social view and beliefs. The legal position depends on the nature of the shirt, where it is being worn, and the impact on others.
"The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (FETO) prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds of religious belief and political opinion, including in the provision of goods, facilities, and services. It applies to leisure centres, sports facilities, and other public services. Importantly, the FETO protects individuals from being refused access or treated less favourably because of their religion or political opinion. A sports shirt displaying a political or national symbol may therefore engage these protections.
"In Northern Ireland, the right to express yourself through clothing is protected under Article 10 (Freedom of Expression) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which is brought into domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998. Depending on the context, clothing choice can also intersect with Article 9 (Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion.Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (the Act) requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions relating to Northern Ireland, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard to the desirability of promoting good relations across a range of categories outlined in the Act1.
"The council’s Equality Scheme (2026-30) sets out the commitment of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to fulfilling Section 75 statutory duties and the arrangements for this. Clothing which displays the following may constitute a criminal offence: Garments displaying symbols, slogans, or imagery that are threatening, abusive, or insulting with the intent to stir up hatred (or where hatred is highly likely to be stirred up) against protected groups. Wearing clothing, uniforms, or carrying items in a public place that arouse reasonable suspicion that you are a member or supporter of a proscribed (banned) terrorist organisation."
The report concluded: "Officers will continue to consider formal complaints made regarding clothing worn at council leisure facilitates on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate action, as necessary."