Senator gives backing to Gay Pride Parade

Two Mayors and a Senator will take part in the 25th Gay Pride Parade on Saturday – a far cry from the first one when only a handful took part.
Senator Hildegarde Naughton launched the Galway Pride Festival on Monday in the G Bar in Dominick Street and she will walk alongside the Mayor of Galway, Cllr Donal Lyons and Councillor Mary Hoade, the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council.
On Monday, Senator Naughton said: “Pride is a very apt noun. It’s defined as a being consciousness of one’s own dignity. Twenty five years ago there were five gay people and ten of their friends at the first Galway pride march. A lot has changed. 25 years ago it was illegal to be gay in Ireland.
“This week, and the work of LGBT organisations throughout the country, very much helps to dispel the fear and prejudice surrounding LGBT issues and will help foster a much better understanding of the varying situations that now constitute modern Irish families.”
Speaking about the Government’s commitment to bring about equality for gay people, she said the Government would pass an amendment to employment law to ensure religious-run schools or hospitals cannot dismiss staff on such grounds as being a lone parent or a divorcee, or on the basis of sexual orientation.
“The Government will also introduce, by year’s end, the Child and Family Relationships Bill, which will acknowledge the various forms of arrangements that constitute the modern family. Next year the Equal Marriage referendum will come before the people of Ireland.”
About 3,000 people are expected to take part in Saturday’s parade from Eyre Square to Dominick Street, which will be flying dozens of rainbow flags.
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.