LGBTI+ invite Louth candidates to info event

Outcomers and LGBT Ireland are inviting all General Election Candidates in the Louth Area to an information event from 10am to 11am tomorrow ( Wednesday) February 5th at the Outcomers centre, Coach house, 8 Roden Place, Dundalk.

Paula Fagan, CEO LGBT Ireland said there is ‘much more to do’ for LGBTI+ people in Ireland.

She said that CSO statistics show that LGBTI+ people experienced the ‘highest levels of discrimination.’

The CSO statistics ‘really highlights that much more needs to happen to achieve equality for all LGBTI+’, and speaking about the GE 2020 information event said ‘ this election has the potential to set the political agenda for the next decade and it is fundamentally important that all politicians and soon to be legislators be aware of the issues and then work to end this discrimination through national policies and essential legislation.’

She highlighted issues and priorities for the next Government including: tackling hate speech and hate crime, and an on-line system for reporting of LGBTI+ hate crime.

‘In 2020 LGBTI+ headed families remain unequal, with many families facing another decade without hope of legal rights or recognition, said Paula.

‘Legislation needs to be developed to prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy in Ireland. These ‘ therapies’ are dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.’

LGBTI Ireland are also calling for more inclusive treatment LGBTI+ people in the asylum or direct provision process.

They are also highlighting the need for ‘ the personal autonomy and bodily integrity for people born Intersex’ and are calling for legislation to be developed to prohibit the practice of involuntary, non-urgent surgery and other medical treatment on intersex persons without the effective and informed consent of those concerned.’

LGBTI Ireland are also calling for the support of trans, non-binary and intersex young people across Ireland to have access to the legal documents that reflect their true gender.

‘A healthcare service that meets the needs of the LGBTI+ population is imperative and this includes: Training of all healthcare staff to deliver LGBTI+ inclusive care, and the need to tackle waiting lists for Trans.’

Access to mental health services, particularly for young trans people, is also set to be one of the key issues highlighted at the event.