Plea over homophobic attacks in Dublin
More action is needed to combat attacks on Dublin’s gay community, it was claimed tonight.
The move would be the most appropriate way to mark International Day Against Homophobia, according to Labour’s Joe Costello.
“The message must be sent out to the narrow-minded thugs who perpetrate these attacks that we will not stand for it,” said the Dublin Central deputy.
“The Labour Party is opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether on the grounds of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Yet in Ireland in recent years there has been a worrying emergence of gay bashing in parts of Dublin city centre.
“One man was left in a coma for months following a particularly brutal attack.”
Mr Costello wants his calls to be supported with practical measures such as the provision of closed-circuit television and better street lighting in the areas where these attacks occurred.
“Attitudes and opinions also need to change if we are going to become a more tolerant, open society,” he continued.
“I would call on Irish people to ensure that all forms of discrimination, particularly against gay people, become a thing of the past.”
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun also challenged society to "make a stand against homophobia and homophobic attitudes in society".
“Today gives us the opportunity to seriously address the worrying rise of homophobia across Ireland,” she said. “Violent homophobic attacks are on the rise.
“We must work all year round to change attitudes and mindsets regarding discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered people.”
