Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make contact with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland with relation to Law 8711 which may undermine the human rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33418/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I understand that the Ukrainian Parliament has discussed draft legislation which could ban activities which allegedly promote homosexuality. As the Deputy will be aware, I am on record as having expressed concern about any legislation that could result in further stigmatisation, and even criminalisation, of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people. In relation to this issue, I will ensure that the concerns of the Government are relayed to the Ukrainian authorities.

The Government is strongly committed to combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe that consensual, same-sex relationships between consenting adults should not be criminalised and supports measures to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and association can be enjoyed effectively by all people. Discriminatory legal or administrative provisions, which curtail the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not acceptable. In our international relations, Ireland strongly supports the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. On Friday, 17 June 2011, a historic resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity was adopted at the 17th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Ireland co-sponsored the resolution. This was the first time a UN resolution explicitly acknowledged human rights protection as covering sexual orientation and demonstrates the increasing commitment across the broader international community to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Ireland also participated in a panel at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council on the report prepared as mandated by this resolution. Ireland will continue to engage actively with this issue at the Human Rights Council.