Remarks at a Reception to Mark the 6th European Gay Police Association Conference
Áras an Uachtaráin, 27th June 2013
A Dhaoine Uaisle, Fáilte roimh go léir go dtí an ócáid stairiúil seo.
I would like to welcome all of you here today to Áras an Uachtaráin, on the occasion of the 6th European Gay Police Association Conference. I am particularly pleased to welcome our overseas delegates from other member states of the European Union and beyond.
This is the first time that this conference has been held in Ireland and can be viewed as indicative of this country’s journey from past days of exclusion, of shunning, of suspicion, of intolerance, of ridicule, to new days, more appropriate days, of inclusion for citizens of differing sexual orientation. It has been a long journey, and at times a very difficult journey but thankfully the landscape now in twenty first century Ireland is vastly different from relatively recent times where so many of our citizens had to come to terms with their sexuality in an environment of hostility, distrust, secrecy and ignorance.
Nowhere is this more evident than in An Garda Síochána where conditions for lesbian, gay and bisexual, members have become so much more positive in recent years.
It’s selection as Employer of the Year at the Gay and Lesbian Awards in 2010 is testament to this fact and demonstrates how far it has progressed from its traditional image as a very conservative organisation.
This is also exemplified in the Garda Diversity Strategy, which contains commitments to support not only members of the Garda Siochana who are gay, lesbian or bi-sexual but also members of the community in wider society who may come into contact with the Gardaí. This is an admirable strategy which includes a commitment to actively encourage recruitment to the force from the lesbian, gay or bi-sexual community; reinforcing the fact that this is a body representative of society as a whole and one which should and does attract members from an open and diverse society.
On a wider scale, one of the landmark achievements in this country in recent years must be the bringing into law of civil partnerships for same-sex couples. This reflects the public acceptance of the right of same-sex couples to have their relationships legally recognised. It confirms that we as a nation recognise and embrace diversity and respect the rights of the individual.
There are, however, still difficulties, challenges; still some members of our society retain closed minds and persistently refuse to accept anything which does not conform with their perception of ‘the norm’. While I am proud of the significant advances made in this country, we need to be mindful of the need to continue to promote diversity, and to support efforts that ensure that similar rights and protections are present in other countries.
- It is through conferences such as this one that we can all be reminded of the importance of inclusivity and the importance of accepting and understanding alternative viewpoints. I hope that this event in Dublin will help and inspire you in your important work to change attitudes and policies. I hope it opens eyes to show how society can, and must, be inclusive, and that this vision becomes reality.
For those of you on your first trip to this country, I hope you enjoy your time here. I also hope you enjoy your participation in Sunday’s Dublin Gay Pride parade. What was a one-day event back in 1983 has now developed into a ten-day festival in the city. Back in 1983, the purpose of the parade was to protest against the levels of violence against gay men and women – now it is a celebration of the strides made over the past decades.
I am so pleased to welcome you all to Áras an Uachtaráin this evening, and I hope this is the start of what will be much fruitful debate over the coming few days.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go leir.