Gay Teachers Group welcome greater employment protection in schools
The Government today passed through Report Stage a Bill which amends Employment Equality legislation to protect gay teachers in schools.
The Bill will give legal protection to LGBT teachers, so that teachers can be open about their sexual orientation in their school communities without fear of reprisal.
The INTO LBGT Teachers' Group campaigns for the rights of gay teachers, the group argued that there was a chilling effect for many teachers around the country who are afraid to come out in schools.
Speaking outside the Seanad today Chairperson of the INTO LGBT Teachers' Group Anne Marie Lillis said: "LGB teachers can be secure in the knowledge that speaking about our families and our relationships, in the same way as our colleagues and that being gay or lesbian will have no bearing on job security or on prospects for promotion. When signed into law this legislation will end the threat of discrimination in primary schools based on sexual orientation."
Deputy Chair of the Group Eileen Gamble said: "The uncertainty and fear that once prevented gay teachers from being themselves in staff rooms has been lifted and altered immeasurably. Gay and lesbian teachers can now live their lives openly in their communities and in the classrooms in which they teach. This is historic for many current teachers and those future teachers who will never have to second guess themselves for fear of being identified as gay."
Sheila Nunan General Secretary of the INTO stated: "The INTO has always advocated for the equal treatment of our members and to remove the weight of discrimination being felt on the grounds of sexual orientation. These amendments will further that aim and ensure that the lives of our teaching colleagues significantly improve. It is a victory for all teachers in our classrooms throughout the country. This is the culmination of the hard work our members of the LGBT Teachers' Group have done over many years".
