Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for the Leader which I want to put in context by acknowledging that this is Pride Week, so I wish all of my colleagues a very happy pride. The annual LGBT Pride parade will take place this Saturday in Dublin city centre. With more than 30,000 people participating in the parade, it makes it the second largest parade after the St. Patrick's Day parade. This year Pride is celebrating 30 years in existence and 20 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality, so it is a particularly great day to welcome Senator David Norris back to the Chamber. It is because of his contribution that I, as a lesbian, and many other gay and lesbian people were able to grow up in this country feeling proud. When I ask myself what am I proud of this week, one of the things is that I am extraordinarily proud to serve in the Seanad with Senator David Norris. I am also proud to serve with Senator Ivana Bacik, who was our junior counsel in our case in regard to these issues, and with every Member because I have felt exceptionally welcomed and embraced for who I am and I thank them for that today. Pride being one's self is one of the greatest gifts one can have and it leads to an extraordinary sense of well-being and that is the greatest thing for which anybody can wish.

The celebrations we are having in Ireland this week are all the greater because of news which came from the US Supreme Court yesterday that the Defence of Marriage Act, which bars married same sex couples from equal federal benefits, has been declared unconstitutional. It is a landmark court victory for lesbian and gay Americans. The US Supreme Court has ordered the federal government to recognise legally married lesbian and gay couples.

My question for the Leader is in the context of this Irish Pride Week. As a way of making a contribution to Pride, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 13, Legal Recognition of Gender Bill 2013, be taken before No. 1 today. I will seek leave of the House to introduce the Legal Recognition of Gender Bill 2013, which is kindly co-sponsored by my colleagues, Senators van Turnhout and Mac Conghail. The Bill seeks to fulfil Ireland's obligation under the European Convention on Human Rights in providing a legal mechanism for transgender people to have their preferred gender recognised. It is the result of community effort and with the input of the transgender equality network Ireland, FLAC and others, it is in line with human rights standards. It provides for a gender recognition application process which respects the person's right to self-determine and for his or her dignity to be upheld.

I hope it will contribute in particular to young transgender people having a genuine sense of pride for who they are.