“VOTERS NOW ATTACH UNPRECEDENTED IMPORTANCE TO GAY ISSUES” – USI
Union cites voters’ strong support as “stakes are raised” on Gay Marriage
4 May 2007
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has warned that “historically unprecedented” levels of public support have “raised the stakes” on gay marriage as a General Election issue.
Last Wednesday (2nd May), RTÉ’s Prime Time1 highlighted the inequality experienced by same-sex couples. Commenting, USI said the programme revealed a need for urgent action to allay the uncertainty that exists for children in same-sex parent families. The difficulties facing gay couples in which one partner is a non-EEA national were also highlighted.
USI called on all the political parties and candidates to “re-prioritise” their commitment to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Candidates must pledge new same-sex Marriage and Gay Adoption rights, USI said, or “bear responsibility for causing voter cynicism”.
USI gay and lesbian spokesperson Steven Conlon said: “The level of public support for absolute gay equality is historically unprecedented. It betokens an adamant desire by Irish voters to see the next government stand at the forefront of the global equality movement by legislating for same-sex marriage and gay adoption.
“Public attitudes have shifted dramatically in the direction of human rights, and the 30th Dáil is an opportunity for Ireland at last to recognise those innate rights in all its citizens.
“Successive Governments have failed to protect the human rights of gay couples in this country. Such failure does not protect families. Furthermore, the absence of progress on adoption and inheritance legislation has ensured the continued vulnerability of children in same-sex parent families.
“USI is throwing down the gauntlet for all the political parties to step up to their duty as public representatives to affirm the human rights of all Irish.”
Colm Hamrogue, President of USI said: “Voters indicate a real unwillingness to support any government or candidate that ignores the basic human rights of family members and friends. Voters won’t stand for it. Gay, lesbian and bisexual people are our brothers, sisters, friends, and even our mothers and fathers.
“USI is urging voters to ask hard and pressing questions of candidates when it comes to the advancement of equality in this country.”
Ends
Note to editors:
1 See
www.rte.ie/news/2007/0502/primetime.html
Sparkle’s
Acceptance through Understanding: Tackling Homophobia
IT’S FREE!!
Sparkle’s is a three day celebration that has never before been done in Limerick. It is a weekend of understanding, acceptance and fun. Sparkle’s is a safe space for members of the LGBT community and their friends.
*Feb 26th
Launch Party
Some food and drinks!
Meet a few friends, make a little love, get down tonight.
*Feb 27th
Queerbash 6
If you go to nothing else this year go to Queerbash. Our annual fundraising event, usually incorporating approximately 400 people, this will be a night of total debaucracy and madness!
*Feb 28th
Sparkles Workshops
Beginning at 11 this will be a day of workshops and talks based around the LGBT community.
If anyone would like to attend our Sparkle’s Workshops please send us your e-mail and we will forward you the application forms
it's still banned? o.O
this i did not know
:0) howdy Get what you need! Cash loans deposited directly into your account www.cool-offerz.com pz
The Downing Street petition went over the 10,000 mark today!! It's also in the Top 10 Downing Street e-petitions too!
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Robinson-Gay/
Hey All, Grushenka performs and launches her album, Waiting For Something To Happen, in Loafers Bar, Douglas Street, Cork, July 4th @ 8pm.
Evening guys and girls,
Do you believe homophobia is wrong and that we as a society should be trying to erode this antiquated way of thinking through education on LGBT life and promoting a positive view of the LGBT community.
If you do agree with this statement come show your support and join our group at
http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?Memb...
Hope to chat to ye all soon,
Val xxxxxxx
Club Babylon is proud to annonce that on December 1st World Aids day Aidswest will be holding a fundraiser in the Club.
All fund raised for Aidswest at this event will be put into provided free Condoms and other safer sex Materials and information in Gay Venues.
Currently Aidswest does not get a budget to provide condoms for Gay venues so this fundraising night on World Aids Day is vitally important.
So come out and play your part in the Fight against HIV(Aids) and other Sexually transmitted diseases going to be a great charity night and you know the money raised is going to a good cause.
You are invited to the candlelight vigil on Nov 8th
http://www.bebo.com/BlogView.jsp?Mem...
Hey
as part of the new website re launch there will be a dedicated section on campaigns, the IBTS blood ban campaign one of the most important ones,
If ya could get back to us, perhaps ya could give us some advice etc. Plus any info is much appreciated.
Have Azure Gay's love today,
Hey girls anyone not been introduced to the Lesbian Corner yet, then come and have a look.
www.bebo.com/thelesbiancorner
It's a place to get away from the homophobia of the world and jus meet ppl and pass comment all types of things. so if you want to join or are just intersested in what it's about check us out...
Thanx
Lauren xxxx
Hey ive updated my blog check it out
Gay Paisean Faisean,
This year Paisean Faisean is back and they would like to do a gay show.
So we are looking for gay Irish speakers who would be interested in taking part.
If you are please email paiseanfaisean@hotmail.com
Galway Gay Pride (Bród Ireland West)is proud to annonce our partnership with Club Babylon to provide the official party nights of Pride 2007 August 19th, August 23rd, 24th and 26th
Come Join the party
Legalise Cannabis Rally
Make sure the first thing the new Taoiseach hears is the cry:
"Free the Weed"
Rally:
This Thursday(14th), 1pm sharp, assemble at Dail Eireann on Kildare Street.
Build on the success of the Anti-Prohibition march last month.
Bring your energy, friends and family. Call on the incoming government to Legalise Cannabis for Medical, Recreational and Industrial Use.
.,,.,,,.
Dear USI LGBTC
You are invited to Mr Gay Ireland's Birthday Shower, a charity fundraiser in aid of JONNY and Open Heart House.
Saturday 26th of May, Front Lounge from 8 PM.
The show is hosted by Panti and includes blind date, charity raffle and art auction. Special guests include Funtime Gustavo, Paul Bradley and Dean Robert Murphy, topless hotties, burlesque girls and famous faces! Show starts at 830 PM sharp.
Free Admission
Friends,
Dublin Council of Trade Unions – ICTU Youth Committee
GLOBAL DAY FOR FAIR PAY
MAY DAY FESTIVAL
Dublin Sunday April 29th 2007
Celebrate, Organise, Unite.
Please join us all in an internationalist and multcultural celebration on international workers day.
May Day March
Assemble @ 12.30pm Parnell Square
Proceed to Customs House Quay to arrive at 2.00 pm
Join the parade with Chinese Dragon,
Salsa and Flags of Europe and the World!!
Customs House Quay
May Day Rally 2.00 pm
with special guest appearances by:
Liam Ó Maonlaí
Dublin Workingman's Band
Colours Afrobeat Orchestra
Jalopy
Plus short speeches!
Customs House Gardens
2.00pm - 5.00 pm
Information Booths
Bookstalls
Children's Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Clowns!
Liberty Hall
12.00 noon - 4.00pm
Viewing Balcony Open
FAIR PAY FOR THE WORLD'S WORKERS
Hi,
It's important that gay people have a voice during the election so I hope the campaign goes really well.
At the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival we're trying to boost the profile of gay people in a different way - by showing how much gay people bring to the culture of the city.
Watch out for our "Dublin Gay Theatre Festival" flags which will be proudly flying all along the city quays during May.
Its the govenments responsibility to ensure all its citizens have their rights.
Fight the good fight!