#VoteWithPride, a coalition of 18 Irish LGBTQ+ organisations, has expressed both optimism and disappointment in response to the measures outlined in the new Programme for Government. The incoming government of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, supported by Independents, published a 160-page document titled Securing Ireland’s Future. 

The collective, which launched the landmark #VoteWithPride campaign and manifesto ahead of the general election in November, recognises several commitments within the programme that could mark significant progress for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ communities. However, they also highlight critical points that must be addressed to ensure full equality and inclusion.  

The coalition explained that it views this programme as an opportunity to build on the progress Ireland has made since the Marriage Equality referendum of 2015.

Among the government commitments celebrated by LGBTQ+ organisations are:
– A ban on the harmful practice of conversion therapy;
– The modernisation of legislation addressing incitement to hatred;
– The development of compassionate, inclusive gender healthcare services;
– The full commencement of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which will regulate surrogacy and strengthen rights for LGBTQ+ families;
– Stronger regulation of online spaces to combat disinformation.  

Nonetheless, the collective has voiced disappointment at the exclusion of several urgent priorities, which include:
– A simplified process for legal gender recognition for young people aged 16 and 17;
– Explicit protections for the rights of intersex people;
– The resourcing of teacher training to enable schools to confidently address LGBTQ+ topics;
– Updating the Equality Acts to provide robust protections for all LGBTQ+ people. 

 

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Within the statement, the group said that the inclusion of trans healthcare in the Programme for Government is welcomed. However, they also “strongly call” for the development of a model of care informed by international evidence, including guidelines set out by the World Health Organization and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

#VoteWithPride went on to express deep concern about the growing influence of right-wing movements globally, which target LGBTQ+ and other marginalised communities.

“We are listening and watching as dangerous anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric becomes louder and the legislation we fought so hard for comes under scrutiny and attack,” the statement reads. “We need to ensure that our political representatives don’t play politics with LGBTQI+ lives; the stakes are too high.”

The collective concludes the statement by saying: “We look forward to working with the incoming government to implement its progressive commitments, and are committed to working collaboratively for a future where LGBTQI+ people are safe, healthy, visible, and celebrated.”