Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to address this issue and I thank the Deputies opposite for raising it. The issue of LGBT rights in this country has consumed Ireland in the past few years and with good reason. It is all very well to say that we have equality in our hearts but we must have it in our laws if we are to be a progressive and compassionate society. For too long, people felt like they had to hide a part of who they are. I am sure most people would agree with me. Stories like that of TV3's Ursula Halligan and former Minister, Pat Carey, struck a nerve with all of us. It was heart-breaking to listen to the stories of isolation and fear. They lived incomplete lives and were denied what most of us take for granted - an open and loving relationship and being able to talk about that relationship. Their stories about being unable to form everyday relationships for fear of discrimination in their community and places of work really pulled at the nation's heartstrings.

They were not the only ones and many thousands of Irish people still live in isolation, afraid to reveal their sexuality. In 2015 this is just wrong. That is why we as legislators must act. This issue is not just a worry for the LGBT community, as I found out on the canvass for the recent referendum. As a mother it concerns me too. How can we expect LGBT teachers to give everything to the development of their pupils if they live in constant fear of being fired simply for being who they are? How can health care professionals deliver professional and compassionate care if they have to worry constantly about their employer finding out who they are? In April of this year I held a public meeting on the marriage equality referendum in Ballincollig in Cork and was surprised at the number of people who turned up. Both sides were represented in the audience but the personal stories I heard during the meeting and afterwards were very moving. To listen to young teachers who have secured a job in the vocation they love talk about hiding who they are at work brought me to tears. As someone with a business background who has employed people, I found it shocking that a business would face the full rigours of the law if it discriminated against gay people but a religious institution would not. Tears and shock are not enough, however. One of the reasons I voted for the programme for Government in spring 2011 was because of the equality agenda it contained. Not only did we agree to deliver on marriage equality but we also promised to end this discrimination.

The recent referendum reminded me that the vast majority of people want to see equality for their fellow LGBT citizens. It also reminded me that our Constitution remains a deeply personal part of Irish life. Constitutional debate in Ireland engages people in a way not seen in any other country. We are very attached to our Constitution. The question of religious ethos and employment law involves a considerable number of constitutional rights, all of which we must talk about and some of which we must change. Everyone is entitled to the freedom to practice their own religion but we must bear in mind those of other beliefs and none. We must be open to people expressing their opinion but people must also be allowed to be open about their relationships. Freedom of religion and assembly, the right to privacy and to earn a living, freedom of expression and conscience and the right to freedom from harassment and discrimination are all fundamental to our society. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue and am delighted that the House is in agreement on the matter.

See this speech in context