FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) have officially launched their pilot LGBTQI+ legal clinic. The service aims to provide legal advice to members of the LGBTQ+ community in the areas of discrimination matters, equality, family law, gender identity, immigration, hate crimes, and access to healthcare.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman said, “I and the Government are fully committed to improving the lives of members of the LGBTI+ Community in Ireland.
“We know that, unfortunately, members of the LGBTI+ Community are often disproportionately impacted by discrimination. This project will provide tailored legal advice and advocacy to LGBTI+ people through a specialised legal advice clinic.”
Delighted to be at the launch of @flacireland LGBTQI+ Legal Clinic with Minister @rodericogorman , historian @MaryMcAuliffe4 and @LGBT_ie’s CEO @PaulaFagan11. This is a fantastic initiative that aims to meet the specific legal needs of the LGBTQ+ community. pic.twitter.com/0AqEqkZe2r
— Gay Community News (@GCNmag) May 30, 2022
In recognising that the pilot scheme has been funded through Minister O’Gorman’s 2021 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding, he continued, “ I am delighted that my Department could provide financial support to FLAC towards the development of such an important service.”
Speaking ahead of the launch, Eilis Barry CE of FLAC said: “FLAC is very proud to stand for equality and continue to work for the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland by establishing this LGBTQI+ service where lesbian, gay, non-binary, and trans individuals can access high-quality legal advice in a safe, and supportive environment.”
She highlighted that the community still faces stigma and discrimination acknowledging that access to legal advice plays a vital part in advancing change.
She continued, “Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are not considered an aggravating factor in sentencing – all the more shocking given the recent cases of acts of violence against LGBTQI+ individuals seen in Ireland.
Delighted to attend the launch of @flacireland’s LGBTQI+ legal clinic this evening. An initiative that aims to meet the specific legal needs of our community.
Particularly important initiative for folks that present to us @HIVIreland having experienced discrimination. pic.twitter.com/k1GTMDtfZt
— Adam Shanley (@Adlers1) May 30, 2022
“There is still no explicit prohibition of discrimination in employment or the provision of goods and services based on gender identity, or legal recognition of non-binary gender. Further compounding this equality crisis is the lack of legal aid in discrimination claims.
The FLAC LGBTQI+ Legal Clinic will operate a weekly appointment-only consultation both remotely or in person in their Dublin office.
If you have a legal query and wish to speak to a legal practitioner in the FLAC LGBTQI+ clinic, you can send an email to [email protected] including your full name, phone number, and a brief description of your query.
© 2022 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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