Gilmore backs gay marriage

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Sunday, October 21, 2012, 17:07


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1021/breaking22.html


Ireland's journey toward creating a society fully tolerant of the gay community is still not complete, the Tánaiste has claimed.

Eamon Gilmore said attitudes in the country were almost unrecognisable to those that prevailed a generation ago but insisted more progress was needed.

Addressing the European region's annual International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) conference in Dublin, Mr Gilmore reaffirmed his support for the acknowledgment of gay marriage by the state.

"That ILGA Europe should choose our capital city, Dublin, for this conference is a source of pride for us," he said.

"This city, and this Republic, have been on their own remarkable journey in relation to the rights of LGBTI persons.

"There is a generation of young Irish people, for whom the Ireland of twenty or thirty years ago would be almost unrecognisable.

"Thousands of young LGBTI persons, who in the past would have felt the need to live elsewhere, have opted to stay in Ireland.

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NOTE- Eamon Gilmore holds the offices of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has been the Leader of the Labour Party since September 2007.

Tánaiste-  Is the second-most senior officer in the Government of Ireland, and acts as the deputy head of government.

SandraJane, News Staff









Transgender group in 'respect' demo

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Saturday, October 20, 2012, 19:38


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1020/breaking29.html?via=rel


Protesters at the Transgender demonstration outside the Dail yesterday. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times


Members of Ireland's transgender community held a rally in Dublin today to demand greater recognition in law.

They were joined by supporters from elsewhere in Europe at the protest calling for new legislation to have their changed gender acknowledged legally.

The demonstration at the gates of Leinster House was staged as the annual conference of the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is being hosted in Dublin.