Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this topic submission and for bringing attention to the incident in which the Pride flag was removed from outside of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ballyfermot. We can step back for a moment and remember what the Pride flag symbolises and why Pride celebrations are so important, in terms of promoting the self-affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of all members of the LGBTI+ community in Ireland and beyond. It is those themes that the Government seeks to implement in the national LGBTI+ inclusion strategy and the national LGBTI+ youth strategy. The aim of those strategies is to target discrimination, promote inclusion and improve quality of life and well-being of LGBTI+ people in Ireland, in particular LGBTI+ young people.

Regarding the incident in Ballyfermot, the Deputy has the best insight but I understand Fr. Egan decided to fly the Pride flag last week with a particular recognition that members of his congregation were LGBTI+ themselves or had family members who felt left out and excluded by the dogma that comes from the Catholic Church. He wanted to indicate that they would be welcome in this week of all week and that his church and their community church would be a welcoming place for them. His motives in doing that were entirely positive and consistent with the idea of full inclusivity and equality for the LGBTI+ community in our country. I would like to join with Deputy Smith in expressing thanks and support to Fr. Egan and the wider community in Ballyfermot who I know fully support the flying of the Pride flag. Like Deputy Smith, I say that as an atheist. It is important to recognise where somebody goes against the grain within his organisation in such a prominent way.

The work of community groups is important in terms of promoting visibility and making LGBTI+ people feel included and valued in their own area, and I particularly welcome that since the removal of the flag. I want to recognise the work that Ballyfermot Anti-Racism Network and youth services are doing to support Fr. Egan and, in particular, the wider LGBTI+ community in a situation where that symbol of inclusivity has been taken down in such an important week.

Deputy Smith reflected on the other ugly incidents that have happened during Pride month, such as the graffiti outside PantiBar and the burning of flags and the erection of posters in Waterford. I had the opportunity to visit Waterford on Monday and to speak with members of the Pride committee, in particular young members. Pride of the Déise is only two years old. Its member were getting into their stride. It was a shock to them to see such a public attack on the community. I also want to recognise the mayor and city and county councils and, most importantly, the entire city. If a small minority thought it was making some blow against LGBTI+ rights right in this country, they got their answer from the city of Waterford. That was a unanimous and clear answer because Waterford was bedecked in Pride flags. It was a great honour to be there to erect two more flags, but Waterford gave its answer to the small bigoted minority.

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