LGBTQ+ organisations call for conversion therapy ban and hate speech legislation

Wed, 06 Nov, 2024 - 14:18

Eva Osborne

A collective of 18 LGBTQ+ organisations are calling on general election candidates to prioritise banning conversion therapy and tackling extreme hate speech through fit-for-purpose legislation.

The organisations, which include Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, have launched the first ever LGBTQ+ sector-wide manifesto ahead of the general election.

The manifesto was launched at an event on Wednesday at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which was attended by stakeholders invested in promoting the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people including Senator Marie Sherlock, Senator Malachai O'Hara, Patrick Costello TD, Cllr Francis Timmons, and Cllr Allan Edge.

The manifesto outlines five priority areas of action for the new Government. These are:

Strengthening LGBTQ+ rights, including treating all families equally under the law, introduction of a ban on conversion therapy practices and updating the Equality Acts to protect all LGBTQ+ people;
Investing in LGBTQ+ health, including a new model of healthcare for trans people and regulation of mental health services with improved access and waiting times;
Implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive education, including representing LGBTQ+ identities in school curriculums, training and resourcing teachers on LGBTQ+ inclusion and address LGBTQ+phobic bullying in schools;
Tackling extreme hate speech through fit-for-purpose legislation;
Supporting LGBTQ+ communities across the country through the expansion of LGBTQ+ community services and supports in every county in Ireland, including Dublin.

Chief executive of Outhouse LGBTQ+, Oisín O’Reilly, said: “At Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, our vision is a future where LGBTQI+ individuals are safe, seen, and celebrated.

"In this election, we call on friends, family, and allies to keep our community in mind when casting their vote. We urge all candidates to commit to the priorities in our manifesto, addressing essential rights, inclusive healthcare, education, and protection from hate.

"The recent surge in hate and misinformation against LGBTQI+ people has strengthened our resolve; this manifesto represents our united response to ensure Ireland remains a safe and inclusive home for all.”