But the council said it had taken legal advice and the decision was in line with an Equality Impact Assessment.

BBC: Police at loyalist protest

But the Alliance party, which controls the balance of power on Belfast council, said the designated days option was in line with the recommendation from Northern Ireland's Equality Commission as an approach that would promote good relations between both sides.

BBC: Northern Ireland

The bottom line: Labor markets are the ultimate arbiters of gender equality in the workforce.

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