Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Devine.

I wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy Dublin Pride and encourage people to join the protest on Saturday at 2 p.m. from St. Stephen's Green south. The We are Family theme chosen for Pride this year is not a coincidence given that the World Meeting of Families will take place in Dublin this year. I commend the LGBT community on leading the way in building a new Ireland and, as global community, on leading the way in building a different world. The persecution of our brothers and sisters around the globe impacts members of the LGBT community wherever we are and causes us great stress. It also adds to fear and becomes internalised. Knowing that people are persecuted for having the same characteristics as I and others have leads to social withdrawal and causes us to identify with that persecution on a small level, although obviously not on a fatal scale. LGBT people around the world who experience violence, hate and discrimination are counting on us in Ireland to implement laws that protect individuals in being who they are. This will provide international examples of law that are effective and work. We will highlight and address these issues in this country because we can do so. I call for international solidarity. I also look forward to the launch of the LGBTI national youth strategy tomorrow by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone. I am hopeful that the strategy will include actions to ban conversion therapy. I am also in contact with the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, on the issue. I ask the Leader to encourage the Government to ensure this process is completed as quickly as possible.