Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----and I want to acknowledge her.

I spoke to a number of people in the past few days and I want to quote and share their words because, for me, they have crystallised the issue. I spoke to Susan who said:

The enactment of the Gender Recognition Act allowed me to self-determine my gender. It gave me permission and the respect of my country to be recognised for who I am.

Terry and Paul said:

Gender recognition is important for a great deal of reasons. It is important because it gives us certainty. It protects us from those who may wish to question our gender identity.

Finally, David said:

Whether it is a new job or going to hospital, I am a woman in the eyes of the Lord now and that provides immeasurable comfort. Life is scary enough without feeling the constant need to prove and explain myself and my gender.

That crystallises for me many of the issues.

We know that the passage of the Gender Recognition Act in July 2015 was an important step in the history of gender equality and rights in Ireland. The law provides a transparent process for individuals who are over the age of 18 to self-determine their own gender. However, trans people will face high levels of discrimination, violence and stigmatism in the workplace, schools, in the community, within families and within homes. That is the reality of it. It is important the Government enshrines the rights of all people in law and policy. I am sure our society is a fairer one, a more compassionate one and a more just one. That, surely, is the job of Members of the Oireachtas.

Legal recognition is the cornerstone of identify. A number of people said that to me yesterday and that continues to resonate. I spoke of the right to be authentic. Surely it is everyone's right to be authentic and to be able to live and express themselves, regardless of age or gender.

I want to leave a few thoughts with the Minister. I call on the Government and, effectively, the Minister who has overall responsibility in this area, to act. The Minister should conduct a comprehensive review of the Gender Recognition Act, as stipulated in the two-year clause in conjunction with all the key stakeholders. He should ensure that trans young people are provided with a pathway to legal recognition. The equality legislation should be reviewed to ensure it explicitly protects and provides for protection under the Equal Status Act 2000. Comprehensive hate crime legislation should be introduced to ensure the protection of individuals based on gender identity and gender expression. Trans people are often targeted as the subjects of violence, abuse and harassment as a result of their identity.

It is important the Minister issues clearer guidelines and supports in the education system to addresses and combats homophobic and transphobic bullying in the schools and colleges. We need to allocate additional funding to the HSE to ensure the appropriate delivery of trans health care and transition-related services. We need to support gender inclusive mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, services and campaigns. That is a very important issue. In regard to the Minister for Education and Skills, we need to focus on talking to those in schools about how programmes can be rolled out in terms of educating and supporting people.

This is very important legislation. It has been a struggle for people who, for years, have had to endure this. Last night, I had the opportunity in the self-service canteen of Leinster House to meet a number of people who travelled here yesterday to meet politicians. I could not but be moved by how courageous, brave, committed and determined they were. There have been many setbacks on this issue. A lot hinges on the Minister and on his reforming zeal, his commitment to deliver, and on his track record and commitment to deal with equality issues. I hope he will able to share with us today some good news or bring us some news of the Government's position. Is it going to oppose this legislation? I hope not, but if it is, I would like the Minister to explain why.

I will wrap up by saying that as I left a number of people yesterday evening in this House, I was conscious that they were filled with hope and expectation that their time had arrived and that we as legislators were going to deliver for them.I hope we will not let them down or disappoint them and that they will leave here today with their heads higher than they were when they came in.