Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

In 18 years time, I would not be upset to find out that one of my two young children was gay because that is the way a person is born. However, I would be upset about the prejudice and intolerance my child would face in society. Today we are taking a step towards stamping out that hatred. As leaders, we cannot tolerate racism or inequity in our society. For too long, our laws have been influenced by religious values. These values should not be allowed to marginalise the 10% of people who are gay simply because it is easier to hold on to outdated beliefs than it is to accept change. We must accept change because we cannot ignore the fact that some people are gay.

Like other Senators, I have received a considerable number of telephone calls in regard to this issue. When I told one person who called me yesterday to live and let live, the person said that is what was being done until we introduced this Bill. Nobody should tolerate that level of prejudice and it is incumbent upon us as leaders to leave religion outside the door and treat every person we govern with the respect and equality he or she deserves.