Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I celebrate that I live in a country where homosexuality is decriminalised, and has been so for 25 years. When homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland 25 years ago, I was living in London. Although far away, I was aware of activists such as Senator Norris and his work, although not the full extent of his bravery and personal sacrifice. I was aware also of the political courage of the former Minister, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, and others in making that change.

Twenty five years ago I had just given birth to my son, my second child. While carrying him, so besotted was I with his sister, who is two years older, that I worried about whether I could summon up the same love for and devotion for him once born. I need not have worried. At 8 o'clock one Monday morning 25 years ago, my drop of golden sun came bursting into the world - a cuddly, tactile, energetic little creature, curly haired, smiling, curious, quirky, inquisitive and affectionate child who elicited much love then and still does. This child grew to love Thomas the Tank Engine, read early and voraciously, talked and talked, made maps, wrote stories - and still does - undertook spurious surveys, played hurling, represented his college on "University Challenge", has lived in Fez, Beirut, Marseilles and now Paris, made, makes and keeps up with his lovely friends from close to home and all over the world and excelled academically - full points and firsts. This son speaks many languages, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese - stimulated by a love interest - and, of course, Irish to mention but a few. This young man has so much to offer to the world and to us all.

In 1993, when my beautiful son was born and homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland, I did not know then that it would mean so much to my son when we moved back to Ireland as a family in 2003, that decriminalisation would have a direct bearing on his rights, his equality, his ability to be treated as a first-class and not a second-citizen, his right not be criminalised for his sexual orientation, for who he loves and would love, his right to be himself and to make his mark. In 1993, far away in London and taken up with my life of children and work, I did not fully appreciate the multiple harms, hurt and suffering of people in Ireland, who lived in fear and whose health was sometimes compromised as a result of the criminalisation of homosexuality.People were stigmatised and bright and able people were deterred by the laws of their land from being open and honest about their identity with their families and in society. They were prevented from engaging in civil and political life and society was deprived of their full contribution. Sometimes people were condemned to lead double lives and were sometimes very lonely. These are people to whom we most definitely owe an apology. I am glad the Government is supporting this motion offering this overdue, although sincere, State apology. I thank Senator Nash and his Labour Party colleagues for bringing this motion forward.

I did not know 25 years ago that the decriminalisation of homosexuality would be a milestone in the context of much that followed, including marriage equality. I want to acknowledge the role Senator Buttimer and others played in making this happen. In 1993, 25 years ago, I did not expect to be standing in Seanad Éireann making this speech celebrating the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, aware of and in a position to highlight and advocate for that which remains to be done for full equality and rights for LGBTI people. As we celebrate, we need to press on with urgent matters material to LGBTI people being able to exercise their full rights and well-being in Ireland.

My colleague, Senator Fintan Warfield, has been calling for the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, and I sincerely hope we are making progress there.

Around this time last year, a young person from BeLong To gave evidence to our hearings on child mental health. We were told that not being accepted for who one is has serious impacts on the mental health of our young people. LGBTI people are twice as likely to self harm than their non-LGBTI friends and three times more likely to attempt suicide.

Three years on from the passage of the marriage equality referendum, LGBTI couples are still waiting for the promised parenting rights. In the run up to the marriage referendum, we were promised that those rights would be passed. Many non-biological parents are still legal strangers to their children. I understand that this matter falls between the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Equality and that there are complexities. I know that the delay in the commencement of this Part of the Children and Family Relationships Act is causing growing concern. I would welcome if the Minister could give us an update as to where this is. It would be a fitting tribute to the celebration of the 25th anniversary to see this Act fully commenced. It would mean so much to my son and all the other sons and daughters of Ireland.