Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak on these statements. Ireland has a rich history of challenging adversity, as the Minister knows well, and fighting against injustice. Included in these struggles is our right to exist as an independent State and the recognition of our citizens' civil rights and protections.

Since the foundation of our State, our country has embraced change. Part of this change has been the social development and maturing of our society. We have cast off the historic shackles that may have nurtured the idea that we were an insular people. Today, Ireland is a country that has embraced diversity. We are becoming an increasingly multicultural society. The Irish people understand diversity and they see it is a strength, not a weakness. Diversity enriches our communities, fosters innovation and contributes to greater inclusion. This ultimately enhances our social progress and the well-being of our people.

The LGBTQI journey has been a story of constant travel. We should acknowledge the political leadership required and demonstrated over many years in Ireland to progress the needs of our LGBTQI community and the efforts taken to promote the recognition of diversity in our society. Tribute in abundance should be paid to the contributions and relentless work of Senator David Norris, who led one of the first notable actions against the criminality of homosexuality back in the 1970s. He went on to bring a case to the European Court of Human Rights in 1988. His case against the Irish State over the constitutionality of the criminalisation of certain homosexual acts was subsequently won. It was the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights that ensured the State vindicated those rights. This ultimately forced the Irish Government to take action. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1993, we officially passed legislation that finally decriminalised homosexuality. This important step changed the lives of many people in our society. Prior to this, homosexual men in Ireland were ostracised and criminalised simply because of their sexual orientation. These laws caused immeasurable harm to many. The subsequent decriminalisation was hard won but it was a huge step in developing Ireland's ability to progress towards greater equality and inclusivity.

In 2015, the Irish nation again stood up and took a leadership role in delivering equality by taking to the polls to vote in favour of same-sex marriage. Yet again, little Ireland led the way internationally by becoming the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, the first country to approve the enduring love that can exist between same-sex couples and to formally recognise it in legislation.

Ireland's strong legal framework further supports the eradication of discrimination. Our country has implemented comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation such as the Employment Equality Acts and the Equal Status Acts. These laws prohibit discrimination based on gender preference and sexual orientation in various areas, including in employment, education, housing and public services. However, this does not mean that more should not be done to deliver a more tolerable and equal society. Challenges remain and these include harassment and violence against members of the LGBTQI community. An Garda Síochána published figures on reports of hate crimes and hate-related incidents in 2022. Unfortunately, these figures showed a 29% increase in reported hate crimes and hate-related incidents. That means 582 such crimes were recorded. However, many more probably go unreported.

There should be no place for discrimination in our society. Discrimination is not only a violation of human rights, it also toxically undermines the strength and cohesion of our society as a whole. There can be no condoning it. In my opinion, it always comes from a place of perceived strength and power. It is corrosive and blind to injustice. It is largely fostered by a lack of knowledge, in other words, by ignorance. We, as legislators, must continue to promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals in legislative changes. We must continue to strive toward a future where discrimination has no place and where the ideals of our Constitution may be realised in all being considered equal and in all people in society, regardless of orientation, sexual preference or gender identity, being able to thrive on an equal footing with all other citizens.

I will finish by endorsing what the Minister said regarding conversion therapy and the steps he proposes to take in that regard. It is very important legislation which must come to the House as soon as possible. I believe this Parliament will give it a resounding endorsement.

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