28/06/2013
Dublin Set To Be Filled With Pride
Speaking on the eve of the Dublin Pride Parade, Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy and Chair of the Party's LGBT Group, Jerry Buttimer, said the milestones that have occurred over the past week demonstrate how far the gay community has come in recent years but also how far there is to go in terms of achieving full and equal rights.
Mr Buttimer said: "This week we have seen a number of changes taking place across the world, and here at home, which move the gay equal rights agenda forward significantly. Earlier in the week in the US, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government to give full recognition to legally married gay couples, which is being hailed as a landmark victory for gay Americans as it gives them access, for the first time, to the federal benefits that same-sex couples can avail of. The ruling also paved the way for the resumption of same-sex weddings in California which was greeted with much fanfare and celebration.
"Closer to home, the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal cleared the way to allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt for the first time. The Court decided that preventing someone from adopting a child because of their relationship status was discrimination, opening up the possibility of same-sex adoptions taking place on the island of Ireland in the not too distant future.
"Yesterday, we also had the launch of the Irish Prison Service's first ever LGBT group, InsideOut, in Portlaoise. The group will support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender prison staff and will also act as a vehicle to normalise same-sex unions in the minds of the public by getting the message out that diversity is something to be feted, not feared.
"This year is a particularly special year in the gay calendar in that we are celebrating 30 years of the Dublin Pride Parade and 20 years of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. We have come so far through the hard work of organisations such as GLEN, Marriage Equality, TENI, BeLongTo, G-Force and a whole host of others."
(CD/JP)
Mr Buttimer said: "This week we have seen a number of changes taking place across the world, and here at home, which move the gay equal rights agenda forward significantly. Earlier in the week in the US, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government to give full recognition to legally married gay couples, which is being hailed as a landmark victory for gay Americans as it gives them access, for the first time, to the federal benefits that same-sex couples can avail of. The ruling also paved the way for the resumption of same-sex weddings in California which was greeted with much fanfare and celebration.
"Closer to home, the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal cleared the way to allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt for the first time. The Court decided that preventing someone from adopting a child because of their relationship status was discrimination, opening up the possibility of same-sex adoptions taking place on the island of Ireland in the not too distant future.
"Yesterday, we also had the launch of the Irish Prison Service's first ever LGBT group, InsideOut, in Portlaoise. The group will support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender prison staff and will also act as a vehicle to normalise same-sex unions in the minds of the public by getting the message out that diversity is something to be feted, not feared.
"This year is a particularly special year in the gay calendar in that we are celebrating 30 years of the Dublin Pride Parade and 20 years of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. We have come so far through the hard work of organisations such as GLEN, Marriage Equality, TENI, BeLongTo, G-Force and a whole host of others."
(CD/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 July 2024
Entertainment Meets Betting: Top Ireland Casino Games To Play In 2024
Ireland has always been known for its vibrant culture, and now, it's also becoming a hotspot for exhilarating casino games. In 2024, players will have many options to keep them entertained, from online casinos to Belfast's best game and entertainment centres.
Entertainment Meets Betting: Top Ireland Casino Games To Play In 2024
Ireland has always been known for its vibrant culture, and now, it's also becoming a hotspot for exhilarating casino games. In 2024, players will have many options to keep them entertained, from online casinos to Belfast's best game and entertainment centres.
19 July 2024
How To Get Recommendations For Your Business In Northern Ireland
Would you trust a business, or recommendations from friends and family more? All companies have a vested interest, as they are trying to sell a product. Customers know this. Thus, the best form of marketing is word of mouth, but that is not easy to get. Below, we discuss how you can find recommendations for your business in Northern Ireland.
How To Get Recommendations For Your Business In Northern Ireland
Would you trust a business, or recommendations from friends and family more? All companies have a vested interest, as they are trying to sell a product. Customers know this. Thus, the best form of marketing is word of mouth, but that is not easy to get. Below, we discuss how you can find recommendations for your business in Northern Ireland.
26 May 2015
Marriage Referendum Results Welcomed
Sinn Féin said the result of the marriage referendum represents the lifting of discrimination against the gay community in the rest of the island of Ireland. Daithí McKay MLA is also calling for the same rights to be extended to Northern Ireland.
Marriage Referendum Results Welcomed
Sinn Féin said the result of the marriage referendum represents the lifting of discrimination against the gay community in the rest of the island of Ireland. Daithí McKay MLA is also calling for the same rights to be extended to Northern Ireland.
13 February 2013
Study Into LGBT Parenting In Ireland Welcomed
Labour Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) has welcomed the publication of the first large scale study into the experiences of LGBT people in Ireland who are parents or are planning parenthood. The groundbreaking research was carried out by LGBT Diversity and was launched in Dublin yesterday by Senator Katherine Zappone.
Study Into LGBT Parenting In Ireland Welcomed
Labour Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) has welcomed the publication of the first large scale study into the experiences of LGBT people in Ireland who are parents or are planning parenthood. The groundbreaking research was carried out by LGBT Diversity and was launched in Dublin yesterday by Senator Katherine Zappone.
09 October 2012
McAleese Expresses Support For Gay Marriage
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has said she supports gay marriage. “I have no problem with it at all,” she said.
McAleese Expresses Support For Gay Marriage
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has said she supports gay marriage. “I have no problem with it at all,” she said.