“If anybody can find someone to love them and to help them through this difficult thing that we call life, I support that in any shape or form” ~ Will Smith
Following on from the successful Marriage Referendum in May, the passing of the Gender Recognition Act and the recent amendment of the Employment Equality Act to give better protection to LGBT teachers, Minister for Equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin held a meeting in Sutton recently to discuss the next steps for LGBT equality in Ireland.
Brian Sheehan, the former campaign director with Yes Equality and director of the Gay & Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), and Anne Marie Lillis, chairperson of INTO LGBT, joined Minister Ó Ríordáin as guest speakers.
Minister Ó Ríordáin said the Marriage Equality Referendum was a huge moment in Irish life.
“I am very proud that Ireland is the first country in the world to vote for Marriage Equality by popular vote,” 
he said.
“The meeting was an opportunity for local activists who had worked hard on the Marriage Equality campaign to comment on what they believed were the next steps for tackling the difficulties faced by LGBT people in Irish life.
“Attendees at the meeting highlighted other recent successes in addressing LGBT inequality including launching an anti-homophobic bullying campaign in schools, the passage of the Gender Recognition Act and the Children and Family Relationship Bill 2015.
“There was also a huge support from the meeting for my recent amendment to Section 37.1 of the Employment Equality Act to give LGBT teachers and medical professionals greater protection in their workplaces.”
Minister Ó Ríordáin added: “The meeting provided for a lot of food for thought and I look forward to pursuing the Equality Agenda and working with local activists in the years to come.”
1st January, 2016 ~ Article by Pat O’Rourke
The New Bullying Prevention © 2016
The New B.P 
Sending best wishes for a new year filled with peace and happiness. Eddie
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you and yours as well Sir.. cheers
LikeLike