Seanad debates

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Billy LawlessBilly Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is only right and proper that on this, the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland, which was introduced by the then Minister for Justice, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, a county woman of my own, the House pays homage to Senator Norris's pursuit of equality and justice.

It is also worth reflecting that it was the European Convention of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights that ensured the State vindicated those rights which ultimately forced the Irish Government to take action. Regrettably, our Supreme Court, in past times an architect of the liberalisation of our society, failed at that time to view the criminalisation of homosexuality as repugnant to our Constitution. It was, of course, another Member of the House who fought this legal battle, the then Senator Mary Robinson, and was ultimately successful in persuading the European Court of Human Rights that the criminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland violated the European Convention on Human Rights. This event alone illustrates just how integral supranational institutions can be in shaping nations' histories for the better.

The former US President, Barack Obama, my great friend, regularly cited in his speeches a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." I believe that. I also believe, however, that it requires human endeavour, patience and determination to achieve these ends. The Irish people, and most especially those of our citizens who institutionally, socially and physically were discriminated against, have much to thank Senator Norris for. I, for one, am proud to serve with someone who has changed the course of Irish history.

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