Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

He did and his comments were unfair. It was not right; it was an injustice, particularly when Senator Lynn Ruane was not in the Chamber to hear them. She had every right to say what she felt. This is a democratic society.

I welcome the Bill presented by Senator Gerald Nash. I thank him and the Labour Party for introducing it. It is really appreciated. The Bill asks the State to exonerate and apologise to gay men who were convicted of sexual offences before homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993. Ireland is continually changing and we are all striving to make it a better place in which to live and work and, more importantly, to be who we are. We demonstrated in the marriage equality referendum that we were more tolerant, more open and a more inclusive nation, one that would embrace all citizens equally. It is devastating to think there were thousands of people who were unable to live their lives openly with those whom they loved with the protections offered by the State. During my campaign to be elected to this House I stated repeatedly that, as a nation, we should be judged on how we treated citizens. While it may have been a sign of the times, it was certainly not excusable. The men in question suffered not just at the hands of the law but also hostility in their communities. This was a great injustice to them, their partners, friends and families. It was heartbreaking. We know that the Bill will not change what happened in the past, but it will be a small step in acknowledging the wrongs inflicted on gay men. It will also send a strong message to young LGBT people that they will be supported by their fellow citizens and that, as a nation, we are not afraid to say sorry for past mistakes.

I commend Senator Gerald Nash for bringing forward the Bill and welcome the Government's decision not to block it, for which I thank the Minister. As we all know, it is the right thing to do.