Seanad debates

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

25th Anniversary of Decriminalisation of Homosexuality: Motion

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, asked me to do the wrap-up speech for this motion, I jumped at the chance because I thought first of all of Senator Norris. I want to acknowledge his extraordinary bravery. As Senator Boyhan said, it was such a difficult time for him to start this campaign. I remember when he came up to me and Ann Louise Gilligan at our first fundraiser for our efforts to move forward the agenda, he spoke to us about how difficult and how challenging it would be. There were many people around us to support us then but that was not the case for him when he started his campaign. He still moved forward and managed to convince, not only a nation, but the European Court of Human Rights. He also convinced the Government at the time to enable the decriminalisation of homosexuality. I jumped at the chance to come here and salute Senator Norris, as well as to acknowledge his bravery and courage. Ann Louise Gilligan and I were privileged to follow in his footsteps, stand on his shoulders and walk alongside him as we continued the freedom journey.

It is also marvellous to see so many of our people in the Gallery, to acknowledge them and all that they did. They worked with us as we brought forward these changes, with the support of the Labour Party. I acknowledge the motion tabled by Senator Nash. Senator Bacik was our junior counsel in our case. She is so humble that she never says that. I acknowledge Eamon Gilmore, Pat Rabbitte and Deputy Joan Burton.

Senator Buttimer showed leadership in his emotional coming out and during the marriage equality referendum. I acknowledge what was done by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Fianna Fáil. I shook the hand of Senator Warfield and Sinn Féin. Then there is the work of the Independents. It is extraordinary that this is not just an all-party motion but that we have practised this way in legislation, policy-making and resourcing. It is because of the courage of Senator Norris.

I am so privileged to be back in the Seanad, a place I love. It is where I was first able to say as a public representative that I am a lesbian and am proud to be here. It is right and fitting that we do this here. It will be done in the other House shortly. It is important we are finally saying, "Sorry". I was sitting here earlier thinking how sorry I am about the times I hid my sexual identity and how the apology will contribute to the ongoing freedom, especially of our young people whom Senator Norris loves as well.

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