Candlelight vigil to be held at Belfast US Consulate

There will be an opportunity for those in Northern Ireland to protest President Trump’s recent executive orders, as there will be a vigil held tomorrow evening at 6pm outside the US Consulate in Stranmillis, Belfast.

Organised by Jennie Carlsten and Elizabeth Nelson Gorman, the event has been deemed a “vigil of light” as participants are encouraged to bring candles and torches, rather than signs. Carlsten explains in a post to the Facebook event that this is to represent the symbolism of light, “recalling the torch of the Statue of Liberty and the effectiveness of symbolic solidarity.” The peaceful nature of the event is emphasized, as Carlsten explains how it is a “peaceful, legal assembly” and warns against any disruption, asking those taking part not to “engage with anyone who would seek to distract us from sending a clear message to the US administration.”

Donald Trump has wasted no time in living up to his campaign promises, as his administration seems to be directly targeting Muslims, banning entry to the US to those from seven majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The 90 day ban extends to those with valid visas and US residence, and has so far caused major disruption to thousands of people.

Monday saw protests all around the UK in solidarity to those affected by the ban and in protest of the suspension of the US Syrian refugee program indefinitely. The protests have also been viewed as a call for Theresa May to withdraw her invitation to Donald Trump to make an official state visit. An online petition claims that, while he may still come to the UK in his capacity as head of the US Government, Trump “should not be invited to make an official State Visit because it would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen.” The petition has so far garnered over 1,807,200 signatures and is scheduled to be debated by Parliament on 20 February.

The vigil in Belfast on Thursday will take place alongside a similar event in Dublin, where there will be an Emergency Rally at the US Embassy.