Six years ago, this month, the people of Ireland gave a mandate to deliver equality for LGBTI people. That work is not yet done.
Ireland remains ranked at 15th this year in the annual ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map published today, which assesses the legal and policy situation for LGBTI+ people in all countries in Europe. The Map is released today to mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexphobia.
Holly Cairns TD, Social Democrats spokesperson for Equality, commented:
“We welcome the progress that has been made in Ireland this year, in particular the legal recognition of many LGTBTI-headed families which is providing certainty and security for those children and their parents. This recognition and protection must now be extended to all LGBTI-headed families.”
“However, it’s clear from the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map that we have more that urgently needs to be done in Ireland, including hate crimes legislation, better access to healthcare for Trans people, recognition and support for non-binary people, and legal and equality protections for people who are intersex.”
“We cannot let up on progress. Six years ago, this month, the people of Ireland gave a mandate to deliver equality for LGBTI people. That work is not yet done.
“Given the deteriorating situation in a number of countries across the EU, the Government must amplify Ireland’s voice as an advocate for equality for LGBTI people internationally. It is utterly unacceptable that so-called LGBT Free Zones in Poland or the new restrictions in Hungary are possible in an EU committed to equality and freedom.
“The annual stocktake in the Rainbow map shows the huge deficiencies in basic rights and dignity shown towards LGBTI+ people in Eastern Europe. This must be challenged – we cannot stand idly by.”
[ENDS]
17th May 2021
Note
Full details of the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map and the details of Ireland’s ranking can be found here: https://ilga-europe.org/