Deputy Crowe supports International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO)
Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson, Deputy Seán Crowe, joined with young gay and lesbians for a cross-party photo call outside Marlborough House to show his and his party’s support for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).
Speaking after the event Deputy Crowe said: “It is fitting that on the day set aside to raise awareness and support for Homophobia and Transphobia, a forum to tackle bullying in schools was meeting for the first time in the Department of Education’s Dublin headquarters.
“It is important that society acts collectively to end discrimination and violence towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and I welcome the fact that this year’s IDAHO theme is on combating homophobic and transphobic bullying in our schools.
“Too many young people are subjected to bullying and discrimination during their time at school yet their suffering often goes unnoticed and this has led to rising levels of depression, self-harm and suicide. Added to this is the barriers faced by gay and lesbian teachers, who are still discriminated against because of exemptions in the Employment Equality Act that protects the religious ethos of certain schools. This must change and I welcome Minister Quinn’s attendance at today’s photo call and his recent announcement that he plans to address this growing problem in Irish schools.
“I also support the establishment of an anti-bullying working group that is bringing together BeLonG To and the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network in an attempt to develop a roadmap towards the elimination of homophobic bullying.
“Today is the inaugural meeting of the Anti-Bullying forum, and one of its priorities will be to address homophobia and transphobia and to protect the rights of young lesbian and gay people so that they can enjoy an inclusive education free from bullying.
“Surely it is not too much to ask in the 21st Century that we work towards a school system where the sexuality of an individual is respected and diversity is something to be welcomed and celebrated.”
