Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is very kind of the Senator.

Ms Nabagesera is very welcome. I thank her for her sobering update on what life is like for the LGBT community in Uganda. I am a member of the LGBT community in Ireland and can recall what it was like in this country before decriminalisistation. It was thanks to people like Senator David Norris that our lives improved immeasurably. We have now achieved many of the rights we had set out to achieve all those years ago. It was a long but ultimately successful struggle. I recognise that the position is very different in Uganda, but it is important that we stand together in solidarity with the delegates. Issues remain to be dealt with in some European countries. Issues also remain in terms of the way some countries bordering Europe treat LGBT people. That is something we have not got right on this side of the world.

Deputy O'Sullivan spoke about the position in South Africa which was a trailblazer in its day in terms of LGBT rights. How much pressure is it putting on countries such as Uganda, Malawi and others? How much pressure is being exerted from within the African Union to try to effect real change?

I again thank Senator Jim Walsh for allowing me to contribute.