David Norris (Independent)

I had intended to second the proposal by my colleague, Senator O'Toole, but was gazumped by the representative from County Kerry. He is, however, most welcome. This shows what broad appeal the matter has.

I ask the Leader to find out something for me on a matter of some importance. There was a debate in the United Nations human rights area on the subject of extending protections on the basis of sexual orientation. However, the Irish delegation unexpectedly abstained. It was confronted by a coalition involving Muslim countries and the Vatican. Newspaper reports suggest there was lobbying by the Vatican to get Ireland to abstain. That would be regrettable. Will the Leader inquire from the Minister for Foreign Affairs if this is the case? I will also try to find this out under the Freedom of Information Act. As a member of various human rights groups, I am aware that in South America and many other countries people are routinely imprisoned, tortured and murdered on accusations about their sexual orientation. If freedom of sexual orientation is not a civil or human right, I simply do not know what constitutes such a right. I would like some explanation with regard to why Ireland changed its support for this type of human right at the meeting to which I refer.