Fine Gael LGBTQ+ launch ‘Building on Progress: An Inclusive Ireland’ Policy Document

Fine Gael LGBTQ+ have launched an extensive policy document that includes 56 recommendations across 7 Government Departments.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.

As a country, we have made significant progress since that time.

Fine Gael have a strong track record on advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland and there is much more that we want to achieve in the years ahead.

Fine Gael LGBTQ+ Chairperson, Jacob Whelan said, ‘Building on Progress: A More Inclusive Ireland’, sets out a wide range of areas where we can build on hard-won progress and create a more equal society in our country.”

“Working together, we can end new transmissions of HIV in Ireland; tackle hate crime and discrimination in all its forms; ban the practise of Conversion Therapy; create safer schools for LGBTQ+ students and staff; and create more equal, stronger and safer communities.”

Fine Gael LGBTQ+ Network launch their Policy Document 2023; ‘Building on Progress: An Inclusive Ireland’ L to R: Luke Corkery, Claire Farrell, Chair Jacob Whelan, Ryan Laffan and Peter Harper.

Fine Gael LGBTQ+ met with several LGBTQ+ organisations and stakeholders during the development of this document.

The policy document sets out recommendations in Health, Justice, Education, Equality, Sport, Foreign Affairs, Housing & Local Government.

Vice Chair of Fine Gael LGBTQ+, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said, “The launch of this far reaching policy document by Fine Gael’s LGBTQ+ is timely as we continue to enable and promote a more connected Ireland.

“It is important that ongoing support is leant to campaigns such as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmissible) and to eradicate HIV transmission.

“I look forward to the implementation of age appropriate education in our schools that is inclusive of everyone.

“We are committed to furthering the recommendations of ‘Building on Progress: A More Inclusive Ireland’, working in collaboration with local communities and nationally with all interested stakeholders.”

L to R: An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Jacob Whelan, Chair, LGBTQ+ Network Committee. Picture credit: Douglas O Connor

A briefing for Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Members was held on Wednesday May 3rd, where a constructive and positive conversation was had regarding the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and how Fine Gael can help deliver positive change.

Fine Gael LGBTQ+ member, Luke Corkery, commented following the briefing: “I think there is consensus that we have produced a comprehensive document with real, deliverable policy goals across a wide array of sectors.

“It was encouraging to see Fine Gael Ministers, TDs and Senators alike throw their support behind it.

“The help of our public representatives will be key to progressing our recommendations.”