In quotes: Rally against sectarianism

BBC News Online highlights what was said at Friday's rally against sectarianism in Belfast city centre.

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Alex Maskey
Belfast Lord Mayor

Homes are being wrecked and people are being killed. Stop now.

Please consider this rally today as the formal public launch of our anti-sectarian campaign.

In the wake of yet more killings, further attacks and even more families being displaced from their homes, it was incumbent on me to play my part within Belfast City Council and with those others represented here on this platform.

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Nigel Smyth
CBI Director

The business community continues to be appalled at recent events on the streets of Belfast.

The street violence, blatant sectarianism and the recent murders are to be utterly condemned.

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Bob Gourley
ICTU Chairman

The evil purveyors of bigotry have declared war on us all and wished to ensure that the legacy of hatred continued.

To each and every one of you in attendance here today, sectarianism kills all of us and we must all fight against sectarianism at every opportunity - in our workplaces, societies, clubs, as well as in our immediate and extended families.

By your presence here today and on behalf of the trade union movement we repudiate the right of any murderer to purport to carry out such atrocities in our name.

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The Reverend Alan Harper
Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor

We represent our four churches. We stand together to challenge hatred, bigotry and sectarianism.

We stand for respect for diversity, respect for freedom of conscience, the right to live free of fear and threat.

We will work together for harmony in our community, peace on our streets and justice and fairness for all people and we do so in the name of the one God whom we all worship.

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Michael McGimpsey MLA
Ulster Unionist Party

They set a mood within society and it's vital we keep reiterating this message that we won't tolerate this violence.

This generation must not repeat the mistakes of my generations.

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Mark Durkan
Deputy First Minister

I also hope it sends out a message to those who continue to prosecute violence that they may be able to hurt us but they will never divide us.