Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar adressed to United Nations (UN) to say he is concerned about the rise of violence and hatred towards LGBTI people at home and abroad.
The Taoiseach, along with Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, are currently in New York for the UN High Level Week - 15 Years LGBTI Core Group.
Varadkar said Ireland is also deeply concerned about the alarming pushback against LGBTI rights. He added to those who argue that marriage equality, or recognition of gender diversity, threatens to undermine society, our experience has been quite the opposite.
He said Ireland has come a long way in recent history, particularly when it comes to LGBTI inclusion: “I sincerely hope that our story can be a source of some optimism at a difficult time. I can vividly remember an Ireland shaped by shame, conformity and fear, where my election as Taoiseach, as Prime Minister, as an openly gay man would have seemed an impossibility.”
"Yet eight years ago, in 2015 Ireland became the first country in the world to provide for marriage equality by popular vote in an historic referendum and to enshrine that right in our constitution."
“Also in 2015, the Gender Recognition Act was passed, which allowed for transgender citizens to have their gender recognised through self-determination. It has been in place for eight years now and has worked well,” he said.
Varadkar stated that Ireland’s culture has changed and society is a lot more understanding of family and inclusion. He added there is always work to do and progress to be made, but he added that he is exceptionally proud of the Ireland of today.
YES won on Ireland's same-sex marriage referendum in 2015
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