REPRESENTATIVES of the Polish community have published an open letter to the people of Ireland asking them to vote YES in the marriage referendum on May 22.
The letter was formally announced at the Dail in the presence of Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Aodhán Ã? RÃordáin and local Senator Averil Power (FF).
Minister Ã? RÃordáin said May 22 will be a truly historic day for Ireland.
“I hope that the Irish people will extend to same-sex couples the human right to marry the person they love,
? he said.
“I am also very happy to see the Polish community being active in supporting equality.
“It is great that they want to take part in a discussion about the future of our country.
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Piotr Gawlik, chair of Dialogue & Diversity, and an initiator in publishing the letter, believes a Yes vote in the referendum will create a more equal and fair society in Ireland.
“It will also send a powerful message of hope to countries where LGBT rights are neglected,
? said Mr Gawlik.
“This referendum will also decide about future and civil right of Polish gays and lesbians who made Ireland their home.
“As the biggest national minority group we can’t stay silent. This is a matter of basic equality and human rights.
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According to the last census, the Polish are the biggest national minority in Ireland. There are over 120,000 Poles living in Ireland and Polish is the second most spoken language.
Anna Wolf, director of Polish Theatre Ireland, who was among those who signed the letter, said:
“Many of us came here to find a better life. Irish people welcomed us and embraced the diversity which we brought with us.
“We celebrate our achievements and successes, share happiness and find friendship and love here.
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Ms Wolf added:
“We want to appeal to our Irish friends to stand up for equality.
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